36C25719B0036-0001001.pdf

1. Standard Form 1442 states “All applicable specifications and drawings are issued as part of this solicitation. Please refer to VA website http//www.cfm.va.gov/tile for VA Master Specifications and Design Criteria.” Per pre-bid meeting today, there will be no plans or specifications provided and VA Master Specifications and Design Criteria are not applicable/required and that work required for the performance of this project is as listed in the Statement of Work and Statement of Bid Items paragraph 1.4. If this is not a correct understanding, please clarify otherwise by amendment to all bidders.

A: There is not design or design specifications other then what is listed in the SOW. The VA is expecting shop drawings and submittals for each of the items in paragraph 1.4.

2. We understand from the pre-bid meeting today that the replacement of finishes and the replacement of interior push buttons and panels is required at passenger elevators but not at the service elevators. If this is not a correct understanding, please clarify otherwise by amendment to all bidders.

A: All the finishes for elevators P1, P2, P3, & P4 will all be replaced. This shall also include the interior buttons and panel.

3. Are exterior shaft doors and interior cab doors required to be replaced at all elevators? Or only at

Passenger Elevators?

A: The exterior shaft doors and the interior cab doors of all the 7 elevators shall be replaced in this project. Also the other door items that are to be replaced are the door operators and the safety light curtain.

4. Someone at the site visit indicated that one of the elevators was struck by lightning and is no longer in service and parts have been removed from that elevator to provide parts for some of the other elevators. Scope of work does not include replacing unknown missing parts and may not cover the repair of all system components damaged by lightning. These are unknowns which we understand will be covered by contract modification if this extra work will be required to be performed under this contract. If this is not a correct understanding, please clarify to all bidders by amendment with sufficient detail for contractors to be able to quantify and quote this work.

A: The elevator that is referenced is know as P2 in the elevator corridors and P4 in the penthouse. The parts of this elevator that were removed were from the controller for the elevator. This project is to replace the controller. There were no other parts removed. The Scope of Work requires the contractor to replace the entire controller. Any missing parts form the elevator will not matter.

5. Solicitation does not specify level of finish required for the new elevator cab finish outs. Request basic specifications of what the elevator finishes are required to be (Ceilings, Walls, Floors, Doors, Lights, etc.).

A: The following finishes are for the passenger elevator only. The service elevator will not receive any new finishes. The VA request finishes equal to or greater then the items listed below:

Flooring – Marmoleum t5231 cliffs of moher Walls – Inpro Hercules 4000# capacity Beechnut 0539 Hand railing – 3/8” x 2” Ceiling – AD Stainless Pan Lights – are included in the ceiling package

6. Existing duration of 180 is not feasible. Requesting period of performance to be revised to 600 days to account for submittals / procurement and construction phasing.

http://www.cfm.va.gov/tile

A: The VA will agree to a 400 calendar days project with the use of multiple crews. All things considered, use three (3) crews to perform work on three (3) elevators at a time. One

(1) will work on the service elevator, one (1) crew to work on the passenger P1 & P2, and one

(1) crew to work on passenger P3 & P4. Revised Schedule B is attached reflecting 400 calendar days to complete project work

7. From the pre-bid meeting, we understand that walk off mats and barriers will be required at elevators, but Negative Air and Temporary Poly Walls will not. If this is not a correct understanding, please clarify otherwise by amendment.

A: Walk off mats at each elevator opening to the patient corridor will be required. In lieu of Temporary Poly Walls, the VA is requiring the contractor to install a barrier/fence that shall prevent wheels chairs and other rolling items from getting close to the elevator doors. The barrier can be open to the environment and doesn’t have to be negative to the corridor or air tight. The barrier must be solid and hard to move. Elevator doors must be locked at the end of each day and plan to replace each of the corridor doors in one day.

8. . What code year will the equipment be installed to? Texas has adopted 2016 Code, so will that be the standard?

A: Use Code year 2016 in accordance to the State of Texas

9. Are we retaining or replacing the following on the 4 passenger elevators? – Car and hall Fixtures, Motors, Hoist ropes, car door equipment, hall door equipment, machines, car and/or counterweight roller guides? Nothing is listed in 1.4 Statement of Bid items, but Code will require upgrades so some components as the controller is changed out and depending on the Code year of the new equipment.

A: Replace the following: Hoist rope for passenger elevators (P1, P2, P3, & P4 only), car door equipment, hall door equipment. The other items to bring the elevator into compliance will be considered separately.

10. The three service elevator controllers are the latest MCE controllers. Do you want them replaced or retained?

A: The VA is requiring the MCE controllers for all of the service elevators to be replaced with a nonproprietary system.

11. Are there any specification for the cab interior finishes? There is a wide spectrum of options and would like some clarity so all bidders are bidding the same finishes.

A: please refer to the response to question 5

12. On 1.4.A.1.a & b – Are the doors to be stainless steel #4 or painted?

A: All doors are to be stainless steel.

13. Please identify where on the grounds space is available for onsite material and a refuse container?

A: For this project the contractor will not be provided with project parking or be provided with on site material storage / lay-down area. Delivery of materials and equipment will be provided. The penthouse is the only area that can be used.

14. Please identify a toolbox storage/project staging area within the building where we can stage/store project toolboxes?

A: Please refer to the response to question 13

15. Are New Controllers to be Regenerative AC-VVVF controllers? If so, are replacing the DC motors for AC motors part of this project?

A: The new controllers are to be the same type as existing because the existing motors must be reused.

16. Is the requirement to run all cars at the same time in an emergency on back-up generator power, or just a single car in each bank? Is the back-up generator, Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and conducting wire capable of powering all elevators?

A: The VA requires only one (1) elevator in each bank when the building in on emergency power. The ATS and the conducting wire is only sized for one elevator in each bank.

17. Please identify current ATS capacity to send a pre transfer signal (PTS) to the controllers at a minimum of 30 seconds prior to switchover when testing the back-up generator?

A: ATS EPHC in 7th floor penthouse, our ATS do have a phase in period if that is what they mean by a PTS.

18. If the ATS lacks PTS functionality, is ATS replacement to be included in the base bid or addressed as a change order item?

A: No

19. Request 720 day performance period as engineering surveys and submittals require approx. 16 weeks and each elevator takes approximately 2.5 months to modernize.

A: Please refer to the response to question 6

20. Request confirmation the counterweight hoist ropes are excluded from the base offer? If project work reveals they require replacing, is this a change order item?

A: All then considered include a price to replace the hoist ropes on elevators P1, P2, P3, & P4 only. The hoist rope for S5, S6 & S10 will need be replaced in this project.

21. Is it VA or Contractor responsibility for bringing the hoistway, mechanical space and/or lobbies up to current fire code?

A: yes

22. Request the most recent fire system testing results be made available, as well as the next test we believe is scheduled to occur prior to bid due date?

A: The VA is currently in the process of performing the fire test.

23. Request identification of the Company contracted to maintain and program the Hospital’s fire system?

A: FireTrol 105 Windy Meadows Dr. Bldg 1, Schertz, TX 78154 210-270-8400

24. Request identification of the last time the shunt trip breakers were tested and test results if written? If not recently tested and found to be non-functioning after contract award, is the repair/replacement of these shunt trip breakers a change order item?

A: The VA will be requested to repair/replace the shunt trip breaker if needs

25. Existing travel cables and Main Car Operating Panels (COP’s) do not appear compatible with current generation Controllers? Are travel cables and COPs to be replaced coincident with install of new Controllers—thus part of the base bid—or are they to be excluded from the base bid and addressed as a change order item?

A:Yes, the contractor will be required to replace the Main Car Operating Panels (COP’s) as well as the travel cables. This item is to be included for the passenger elevators P1, P2, P3, & P4

26. Please confirm the existing elevator maintenance contractor is to maintain elevators identified in the Scope of Work until such time they have been decommissioned to undergo modernization?

A: The VA’s current elevator maintenance contractor will maintain the preventative maintenance and perform emergency calls for the elevators that have not been turned over to the modernization contractor.

27. Scope of Work does not include replacement or repair of elevator motor or drives. If a motor is found in need of repairs or a drive leaking fluid, is it the responsibility of the contractor to make repairs as a change order, or the responsibility of the existing elevator maintenance contractor to make repairs to the motors and drives?

A: The VA’s current maintenance contractor will not be responsible for repairs during this work.

If the motors will need addressing for any reason, the contractor of this project will be required to submit a cost proposal.

28. Please confirm no interior finishes are to be installed on the service elevators?

A: Interior finishes are required for the elevator P1, P2, P3 & P4 please refer to the response to question 5 for those finishes. Elevators S5, S6, and S10 does not require finishes to be replaced.

29. Please identify the material and finish desired on the hoistway doors for both the passenger and service elevators? Some floors have painted doors and others are #4 finished stainless steel?

A: please refer to the response to question 12.

30. Are elevator electrical service panels to be re-used or replaced with permanently mounted means for locking out power to the elevators?

A: Please reuse the existing service panels.

31. What is the responsibility of the contractor to update the elevator pits and hoistway if found to not be code compliant?

A: The VA will not require the contractor to upgrade the elevator pit and hoistway at this time

32. Will an asbestos report be provided? If suspected asbestos is discovered, please identify the reporting procedures and whether work is to continue elsewhere on the project?

A: The VA has tested the area but have not taken samples inside the hoistway. If the contractor suspect the is ACM present, the contractor should contract the COR.

33. Are we to replace door equipment in full with replacement of doors and photo eye (i.e. car and hall tracks, hangers, pick-ups, interlocks, linkage, gate switch, operator, restrictor, clutch, etc.)?

A: Yes, all of the components to the doors are to be replaced.

34. What is the requirement for callback services during the warranty period?

A: the warranty period is for this project is for one (1) year

35. SF 1442, Section B, Schedule of Prices/Description: The Schedule states, "Contractor shall provide all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and supervision to Replace Elevator Control Bldg 28 located at the Amarillo VAMC 6010 W. Amarillo Blvd, Amarillo, Texas. The work shall be in accordance with the provided specifications and drawings. 1) Please correct the project location. 2) It is our understanding that specifications and drawings will not be issued. Please confirm. 3) The Schedule is numbered 'Page 1 of 4'. If there are other pages, please provide them. If not, please correct page numbering.

A: Typographical error is corrected to read: the location of the site is: VAMC STVHCS – Audie L. Murphy 7400 Merton Minter San Antonio, Texas 78229. This project will not be providing design drawings for this project.

36. Drawings and Specifications: SF 1442, Item 10, states, "All applicable Specifications and

Drawings are issued as part of this solicitation. Please refer to VA website http/www.cfm.va.gov/tile for VA Master Specifications and Design Criteria." First, please confirm that no 'applicable Specifications and Drawings' were issued as part of this solicitation.

Second, please address why the contractor is directed to the VA website for Master Specifications and Design Criteria. Is this intended to be a design-build project in which case the contractor needs to hire a design team which would include an elevator consultant, as a minimum? If neither is applicable, then this inclusion in Part 10 of SF1442 should be deleted.

A: The following information is hereby deleted from this solicitation is therefore not applicable:

SF 1442, Item 10, states, "All applicable Specifications and Drawings are issued as part of this solicitation. Please refer to VA website http/www.cfm.va.gov/tile for VA Master Specifications and Design Criteria."

37. Work Area Barricades: It was stated at the 07/26/19 site visit that no temporary walls or dust barriers would need to be constructed at any of the elevator entrances during construction. The VA stated "barricades" would be required to keep patients from entering the work space. Please clarify what kind of barricades will be required.

A: Please refer to the response to question 7

38. Infection Control: It was stated at the 07/26/19 site visit that infection control requirements would be somewhat relaxed (or words to that effect). It was stated that walk-off sticky mats would be required at each elevator entrance during construction. Please confirm. Also, please identify any other specific infection control requirements that will be required in order to accomplish the stated ICRA Class II permit.

A: Walk off mats will be the most needed requirements for this project. Refer to the response to question 7 for more on the barrier requirements

39. Fire Suppression/Fire Alarm Requirement: Is there any kind of fire protection work required for this modernization? This would include the elevator shafts, secondary, cars, or landings. Will any of the fire protection systems need to be disconnected during modernization and reconnected upon completion? Will the systems need to be retested?

A: The contractor will be required to update the existing fire/smoke /heat detectors in the hoistway. The existing fire/smoke/heat alarm system will need to remain operation during the modernization. Also, the contractor will be required to submit a fire alarm disabling request during any hot work and any work activities that will be generating dust near an existing smoke detector.

40. Fire Alarm: If fire alarm work is required, please provide the company name of the required fire alarm contractor.

A: The contractor is to maintain the exist fire alarm devices. The contractor will not be required to add any additional devices.

41. SF1442, Item 13: Please confirm bids are due on or before 11:00 AM (current Central Standard

Time).

A: Bid are due 11:00 am D.S.T. (as we are currently under Day Light Saving Time (D.S.T.).

42. Finishes BOD: To avoid contractors including the lowest quality products in their bids regarding interior cab finishes, is there a basis of design for the flooring, wall, and ceiling manufacturers?

A: see response to question 5

43. Interim Maintenance: It is our understanding Kone is the current elevator service and maintenance provider. Please confirm Kone will continue to be responsible for interim maintenance for the duration of this project until an elevator is removed from service for the purpose of modernization.

A: please see the response to question 26

44. Lighting: Does the existing shaft and secondary lighting need to be upgraded to meet current Code requirements?

A: No.

45. Code Compliance: Are there any other code compliance issues (violations) that need to be addressed in this modernization? If so, these would normally be identified and designed by a design team.

A: The contractor will be required to update the fire/smoke/heat detection system.

46. Secondary Lighting: Is there a need to install lighting in 'Secondary' plus a GFI receptacle?

A: No

47. Phasing Plan: Are service elevators and passenger elevators expected to be worked on at the same time? That would require three crews to be allocated to this project. Based on the conversations with elevator contractors we have had, and current market conditions, allocating three crews to one project may not be achievable. It was also pointed out that if three of the seven tower elevators are taken down for modernization, four will be left for hospital use. If another elevator went down, that could be detrimental to the hospital's function. It is recommended that the passenger elevators are worked on first in two phases, with two crews. Then, move to the service elevators with one crew modernizing one elevator at a time. This speaks to Period of Performance, item #14 below.

A: please see the response to question 6

48. Period of Performance: The stated 180 calendar days is not enough time to accomplish a project of this type and magnitude. Submittal preparation can be expected to take 6 weeks. Submission and approval could take another 6 weeks. Once equipment is released for production, fabrication and delivery can take 17-18 weeks based on current industry conditions. Based on 5 phases, and 10 weeks per phase, 50 weeks for actual construction is likely. Including closeout inspections and turnover, this project performance period needs to be no less than 588 days to complete.

A: Please see the response to question 6

49. Computer Monitoring System: The VA stated at the site visit that it would like to have the computer monitoring system for both the passenger and service/freight elevators in the same location and/or one single computer for all seven (7) elevators. Normally, there is one computer that monitors each group of elevators. Please clarify intent.

A: The VA would like to monitor both bank of elevators for a single location.

50. Superintendence: Is the prime contractor required to have a superintendent on the project, or can the elevator contractor’s foreman act as the project superintendent?

A: The Elevator’s formation can perform the role of the superintendent. However someone from the GC must be on call for coordination meeting etc.

51. Stored Materials: Will there be a location within the hospital to store materials for all 7 elevators while it is being installed? If not, will offsite stored materials be acceptable for billing purposes if the location is insured/bonded?

A: off site store of material will be acceptable. Please look and the response to question 13

52. Second Site Visit & RFI’s: Since there is no design or drawings/specs, a second site visit and round of RFI’s would be very beneficial for contractors following the first round of answered RFI’s. Please allow for this prior to the bid date.

A: Second Site Visit Shall be held on August 21, 2019 @ 9:30 am. All interested parties shall meeting at the Engineering Office.

53. Car Finishes: It was stated in the first site visit that the SERVICE elevator cab finishes did not need to be replaced. Does that include ceilings, walls, flooring, rails, etc? Do the interior buttons and panels need to be replaced in the service elevators? Based on the SOW, the passenger elevator finishes, buttons, and panels will be included in the modernization.

A: please see the response to question 5

54. Corridor Work: Is any work required on the car position indicators, operating devices, etc. in the corridors?

A: No.

55. Commissioning: What is required on this project in terms of commissioning the elevators and electrical work? Is a third party required to be hired by the prime contractor for commissioning?

A: a third party will be hired by the VA

56. Testing and Inspections: What is required in terms of testing and inspections for the elevators?

Can that be performed solely by the contractor or does a third-party inspector need to be hired?

A: A third party inspector will be hired by the VA

57. Training: What is required in terms of manufacturer/installer provided training at the end of each phase?

A: in person with the training for 8 hours.

58. Warranty: What is required in terms of warranty on equipment and installation?

A: one year

59. As-Built Drawings: What is required for as-built drawings?

A: none. The contractor’s redlines of the shop drawing will be fine.

60. Door Finish: Are the new elevator doors to be stainless steel #4 finish?

A: yes

61. Maintenance Contract: Is it the VA’s intent for the elevator contractor on this modernization to provide service/maintenance following the project? If so, how long will that period be?

A: 400 Calendar days.

62. Door Equipment: What does the VA require for the existing rollers, door lock contacts, shorting bars, hangers, tracks, etcetera for each elevator car/stop?

A: please see the response to Question 3

63. Microprocessor: Are microprocessor controls to be 100% non-proprietary?

A: use as many non-proprietary as possible that can work together safety.

64. Controller Specs: What year of ASME A17.1 should the elevator controller be built to comply with?

A: 2016

65. Electrical: What electrical modernization/upgrade is required for this project?

A: the controls for each elevator will be the main focus of this project.