Answers to Pre-Bid RFIs Questions 504-22-102.pdf

504-22-102; Upgrade Freight Elevators Building 4 & 7 Pre-Bid RFI’s

1. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

a. SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

i. 1.5 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

1. C. Guards:

a. The General Contractor shall provide unarmed guards at the project site after construction hours.

b. The Contractor shall provide the guards and VA police with communication devices as directed.

c. The general Contractor shall install equipment for recording guard rounds to ensure systematic checking of the premises.

1) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

No, the General Contractor is responsible for securing the Work Site at all times, 24/7.

The General Contractor is responsible for turning over two (2) keys (the Work Site and the Laydown Area) to the COR and the VA Police each in case of an Emergency or to check the Work Site.

Superintendent shall be on site and available at all times by phone and will need to share phone number with the COR in case of an Emergency or the need to be reached concerning the project.

2. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

a. SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

i. 1.12 WARRANTY MANAGEMENT

1. A. Warranty Management Plan

2) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes. List on 1.12.E.4. is not intended to be all inclusive of areas requiring attention for warranty services. List serves as a template. Edit and alter list as needed to submit for warranty services. This pertains to a FAR Clause as mentioned in the

SPECS.

3. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

i. 1.24 CONSTRUCTION SIGN

1. A. through D.

3) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

A Construction sign to state what is going on with the project number and name with some details to explain to passerby’s what is going on is required. Sign shall also state alternate route. Sign may be one that is posted on Construction Barrier rather on a large stand. Submit and discuss with COR at Kickoff or Pre-Con.

4. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

i. 1.25 SAFETY SIGN

1. A. through E.

4) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, see RFI #03 on CONSTRUCTION SIGN.

5. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

a. SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

i. 1.26 PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATIONN

1. A. through G.

5) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes.

6. Is this an actual requirement on this project?

a. SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

i. 1.27 FINAL ELEVATION DIGITAL IMAGES

1. A. through C.

6) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, this is used as part of As-Builts for future reference.

7. Please provide the name and contact information for the contractor who is currently under contract for the programing of the Notifier fire alarm panel.

a. DAV Energy Solutions, Inc. 100% Body of Design Section 5.D Project Upgrades

6. Fire alarm system. Pages 8-9.

7) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Kinetics is under contract for programming the Amarillo VA’s Notifier Fire Alarm

Panel. Kinetics typically sends out VITEL Communications.

8. Will the required data connections be provided by the owner for elevator maintenance ports and telephone communication as required?

a. DAV Energy Solutions, Inc. 100% Body of Design Section 5.D Project Upgrades

7. Telecommunications. Page 9.

8) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Contractor to use the existing ports. If additional ports are required, they will be provided by the contractor. Contractor to coordinate with VA.

9. Specifications states “existing cab to be removed and replaced”. Is this the entire cab shell, or the cab interior only?

9) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

10. Are the hoist way bi parting doors being replaced on Freight Building 4?

10) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

11. Is the car gate being replaced on Freight Building 4?

11) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

12. If doors are being replaced on Freight Building 4, will they be automatic or manual?

12) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Automatic is preferred with appropriate safeties.

13. Are car doors being replaced on Passenger Building 7?

13) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

14. Are hoist way doors being replaced on Passenger Building 7?

14) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

15. Are car doors being replaced on Passenger Building 4?

15) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the entire cab. Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. The cab shell, interior along with the doors are to be replaced.

16. Are hoist way doors being replaced on Passenger Building 4?

16) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, doors to be replaced.

17. Is the existing hydraulic jack remaining on Passenger Building 4?

17) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

No, the hydraulic lifts are being replaced.

18. Is the existing hydraulic jack remaining on Passenger Building 7?

18) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

No, the hydraulic lifts are being replaced.

19. Is the existing hydraulic jack remaining on Freight Building 4?

19) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

No, the hydraulic lifts are being replaced.

20. Existing roof structure able to support the installation of the new staircase being installed on the roof of Building 4?

20) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes. Please see stamped documentation.

21. The SF1422 Box 11 States “The Contractor shall begin performance within 10 calendar days and complete it within 60 calendar days after receiving the notice to proceed.” This period of performance will not be possible to meet because current lead times for materials are between 12 and 16 weeks depending on the material needed, and the work required is complex. We estimate that we will need approximately 200 days from the Notice to Proceed to complete the required work according to the SOW. Will the VA please change the period of performance to 200 days.

21) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

This project will not be given an extension of 200 days. Please note that this project will be given an Admin Notice to Proceed, which will give the contractor the ability to start submitting for material to be ordered. Once the contractor has the ETA of materials and build that into their Construction Schedule, submit the Construction Schedule for approval. It will be at this point that the contractor may receive the Notice to Proceed and may request for a No Cost Time Extension per the Construction Schedule.

22. Section 5D 3 and 4 of the specification mentions conduit and receptacles. Can the VA confirm if we are to retain these components or replace them with new ones?

22) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

All electrical components of the elevator shall be REPLACED, including conduit and receptacles.

23. Section 7C Line 3 says to “verify pit sprinklers and install if not provided.” From the site visit, we know that the Montgomery passenger has a sprinkled pit and hoist way. The Freight pit was not able to be accessed and the Passenger unit in Building 4 was out of service and pit not accessible. Can the VA confirm if the other pits are sprinkled and if heats are needed for all three?

23) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Per the A/E, All Elevator Shafts are Sprinklered, but are not all up to code. The

Contractor is required to bring all Elevator Shafts up to code.

24. Section 9C line 2 states “Demolish and replace the hydraulic lifts with associated components to include the motors of the elevators”. Does this mean that the VA wants us to replace the jacks? Please clarify what is meant by hydraulic lifts.

24) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, replace Hydraulic Jacks.

25. This is a non-seismic zone, please confirm there are no additional seismic requirements beyond current elevator code.

a. 2.13 SEISMIC REQUIREMENTS

i. A. Meet the requirements VA Seismic Design Manual H-18-8

25) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, it is required to meet all VA requirements and installation requirements, even in a non-seismic zone.

26. What exactly will be replaced and retained. All the hoist way equipment looks to be in pretty good shape, did not see any good reason for full replacement of rails, platforms, car slings (hoist frame) cabin shells, door sills. However, the SOW/Specs indicate a total replacement and then call out an alternate to reuse, there is no CLIN alternate so no way to bid an alternate unless the VA is adding the CLINS.

a. 2.36 CAR FRAME: PASSENGER/SERVICE ELEVATORS

i. A. Car frame shall be constructed of channel stiles, crosshead, gussets, and braces, securely bolted and/or welded. The entire assembly shall be constructed to withstand unequal loading of platform. Car frame members shall be constructed to relieve the car enclosure of all strains.

ii. Alternate: A. Reuse existing car frame. Tighten bolts and replace missing bolts.

b. 2.38 CAR ENCLOSURE: PASSENGER/SERVICE ELEVATORS

(ALTERNATE)

i. A. Reuse existing car enclosure. Refinish or replace damaged stainless-steel entrance panels.

ii. B. Reuse car interior panels and flooring.

26) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Only rails, platform and cab sling will remain. All others are to be replaced, all items to remain are to have all hardware tightened or replaced as needed. No unrecorded Alternates will be accepted at this time.

27. Machine room monitors are not common on Simplex 2-3 stop units. Please confirm that the VA wants the monitor for this elevator.

a. 2.8 MACHINE ROOM MONITOR

i. A. Provide a monitor in each machine room, separate monitors for each passenger elevator group, and each service elevator group. Provide a separate keyboard for each monitor.

ii. B. The monitor shall contain indicators to provide the following information:

1. 1. The floor where each elevator is currently located.

2. 2. The direction that each elevator is currently traveling or is scheduled to travel.

3. 3. The location and direction of currently registered hall calls.

4. 4. Elevators that are currently out of service.

5. 5. Elevators that are currently bypassing hall calls.

6. 6. Elevators that are currently engaged in passenger transfers.

7. 7. Operations program under which entire group is currently operating.

8. 8. Zone divisions of the entire group.

9. 9. Door positions.

27) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, this is a capability the VA wants to have in the controller.

28. Is there an emergency back-up generator in all buildings, if not, does 2.9 apply?

a. 2.9 EMERGENCY POWER OPERATION

i. A. The control system for Elevator(s) shall provide for the operation of at least one car per elevator group on emergency power upon failure of the normal power supply.

28) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, Building 4 and 7 are currently on Emergency Back-Up Generators. Proceed per VA SPECS.

29. Are any of these Buildings, patient care facilities? If not, does 2.12 apply?

a. 2.12 MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE – PATIENT CARE FACLITIES

ONLY

i. A. Provisions shall be made for calling elevator(s) to floors served by the elevator on an emergency basis, operating independently from the dispatch signals and landing call signals.

ii. B. Install card reader in the floor landing push button fixture above the push buttons.

iii. C. Provide a call registered light indicator adjacent to card reader. The card reader/key switch at the landings and in the car, shall only be operable by authorized personnel with a valid VA ID badge/key.

29) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

This is to remain in the project for independent service.

30. Physical slow down switches are no longer common on elevator control systems, this is done digitally now, is 2.20 still a requirement?

a. 2.20 NORMAL AND FINAL TERMINAL STOPPING DEVICES

i. A. Mount new terminal slowdown switches and direction limit switches on the elevator or in hoist way to reduce speed and bring car to an automatic stop at the terminal landings.

1. 1. Switches shall function with any load up to and including 100 percent of rated elevator capacity at any speed obtained in normal operation.

2. 2. Switches, when opened, shall permit operation of elevator in reverse direction of travel.

ii. B. Mount final terminal stopping switches in the hoist way.

1. 1. Switches shall be positively opened should the car travel beyond the terminal direction limit switches.

2. 2. Switches shall be independent of other stopping devices.

iii. 3. Switches, when opened, shall remove power from pump motor and control valves preventing operation of car in either direction.

30) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Install Slow Down Requirements per Controllers Manufacturers Requirements.

31. +/- .25" is standard leveling on hydraulic elevators. Per 2.24, is .125" still a requirement?

a. 2.24 CAR LEVELING DEVICE

i. A. Car shall be equipped with a new two-way leveling device to automatically bring the car to within 3 mm (.125 in.) of exact level with the landing for which a stop is initiated regardless of load in car or direction of travel.

ii. B. If the car stops short or travels beyond the floor, the leveling device, within its zone shall automatically correct this condition and maintain the car within 3 mm (.125 in.) of level with the floor landing regardless of the load carried.

31) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, Contractor to follow VA Guidelines and SPECS.

32. Will there be an access system in place to accommodate card readers and is medical emergency (code blue) required if the elevators are not for patients, per 2.26.D.7?

a. 2.26.D.7 MAIN CAR OPERATING PANEL

i. 7. Medical Emergency card reader/key switch marked “MEDICAL EMERGENCY” with two positions labeled “ON” and “OFF” and Medical Emergency Indicator Light located next to the card reader/key switch shall be round with a minimum diameter of 25 mm (1 in.). Instruction for Medical Emergency operation shall be engraved below the card reader/key switch and light.

32) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, Card Readers is to be installed. See RFI #29.

33. For the ICRA requirement, there is not enough room to build out a Class IV entrance at all of the elevators stop locations, is there a viable alternative the VA is ok for us to use?

Is the zip plastic method with sticky mats, ok?

33) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Plastic Method is NOT going to be permitted as this causes a lot of time and issues.

Based on Previous VA Pre-Bid RFI’s and Additional Comments:

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

34) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

The Contractor.

35. Is there a “Buy American Clause”?

35) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Yes, the clause is in the solicitation, see 52.225-10.

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

36) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

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.

37. DAV Energy Solutions has provided an Addendum for the Electrical to Building 4.

37) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

The A/E’s Addendum #01 will be provided.

38. Is there a Designated Laydown Area?

38) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

Not until Pre-Con. Laydown Area will be onsite, but the exact location is undetermined until Award. Once Awarded, the COR will designate a Laydown area. Elevator Parts may be stored in only in spaces handed over to the Contractor.

All unused items are to be removed once Elevator is complete and ready for inspection.

39. Elevator Inspections, who is responsible for Elevator Inspections?

39) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

The Contractor is responsible for paying the VA Approved Elevator Inspector listed below. Expect three (3) separate inspections, one per Elevator. If the Elevator is not ready or fails the inspection at the time designated, the Contractor will be responsible to fix issue before the Elevator Inspector leaves or request the inspector to return at no additional cost to the VA.

Inspector Contact information: Steve Green & Associates (254) 881-4059. E-mail:

SGreene@SGA-Vators.com

Estimated Cost per Trip: $4,000

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

40) VA & ARCHITECT/ENGINEERING RESPONSE/COMMENT:

The VA requires all contractors to check in with VA Police and receive a temporary badge. When the contractor is going to be on site for a length of time, they will need to fill out paperwork that will be provided at a later date by the COR to receive a 90-day badge, unless cards stock is out – which then the contractor must check out a day badge from VA Police Dispatch Window each day prior to work. 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.