Answers to Questions -Complete RFIs Elevator Modernization.pdf

San Antonio VAMC Solicitation Questions

Solicitation #: 36C25724R00084

Survey and Modernization of Passenger and Service Elevators

Veteran Elevated Solutions LLC

1. Field Staff clarifications:

a. Please confirm the VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full time

Superintendent for the entirety of the project?

Contracting Response: Refer to the TIL. MASTER CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) -

Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov) 01 35 26 Safety Requirements

1.9 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) and “COMPETENT PERSON” (CP):

C. These Competent Persons can have collateral duties as the subcontractor’s superintendent and/or work crew lead persons as well as fill more than one specialized CP role (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire

Safety/Life Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and

Trenches/Excavations). However, the SSHO has be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.

b. Please confirm VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full-time SSHO on site for the entirety of the project.

Contracting Response: See above answer to question 1a.

c. Please confirm VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full-time QCM on site for the entirety of the project.

d. Can any of the above individuals perform two or three roles? For example, can the

Superintendent also serve as the SSHO or QCM?

e. Can any of the above individuals be an employee of a subcontractor, or will the VA require the above individuals to be a Full time employee of the Prime Contractor?

2. Will Microsoft Project be an acceptable scheduling tools for the project?

Contracting Response: I prefer the Gantt Chart

3. What software will be utilized on the project for submittal transfers? Will the Prime contractor be responsible for purchasing a subscription and maintaining the submittal register?

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spec.asp#01

Contracting Response: Refer to the TIL. MASTER CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) -

Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov) 01 33 23 SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT

DATA, AND SAMPLES

1.6 SUBMITTAL FORMAT AND TRANSMISSION

D. E-mail electronic submittal documents smaller than 5MB in size to e-mail addresses as directed by the Contracting Officer.

E. PROVIDE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS OVER 5MB THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC FTP FILE

SHARING SYSTEM. CONFIRM THAT THE ELECTRONIC FTP FILE SHARING SYSTEM CAN

BE ACCESSED FROM THE VA COMPUTER NETWORK. THE CONTRACTOR IS

RESPONSIBLE FOR SETTING UP, PROVIDING, AND MAINTAINING THE ELECTRONIC

FTP FILE SHARING SYSTEM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT PERIOD OF

PERFORMANCE.

4. Will the VA require any construction management software to be utilized on the project? Will the Prime contractor be responsible for purchasing and maintaining?

Contracting Response: See above answer to question #3.

5. Do the elevators currently receive a pre-transfer signal from the ATS (Automatic Transfer

Switch)? The new controllers will require a pre-transfer signal from the ATS.

COR Response: Yes. The elevator currently receives a pre-transfer signal from the ATS. They are on emergency power.

6. If no pre-transfer signal currently exists, does the ATS have the capability to time delay and send a pretransfer signal to the elevators it serves? Additionally, where is the ATS located within the building for each elevator identified in the solicitation? Conductors will need to be run in conduit and programmed to function. Contractor needs to know the length of run, quantity or runs, and potential routing.

COR Response: The ATS are located in the penthouse on the 7th floor.

7. Can the VA please identify a lay down area on site where contractors can stage materials and equipment?

COR Response: After the contract is awarded, we will walk with the contractor to identify laydown and staging areas.

8. Can the VA please identify a location of placement for project dumpsters?

COR Response: Expect the dumpsters to be placed on the VA property.

9. 14 21 00 - New Traction Elevator is an inaccurate specification for this project, since no new elevators are being installed. Can the VA please utilize 14 21 10 – Modernization of traction elevator, as it more applicable to the project? 14 21 00 is used for new installation of elevators in new buildings – not modernization.

COR Response: The project specification referred to 14 21 10 – Modernization of traction elevator. Please review the project specification for more information.

10. No specification was provided for the modernization of the Hydraulic Elevator S-12. Can the VA please provide a specification for the modernization of Hydraulic elevators?

Contracting Response: There are only 7 cars (Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10).

11. Can the VA please clarify the applicable code year for this project?

COR Response: Use ASME 17.1 (2022)

12. 14 21 00 1.9.C – Can the VA please clarify the type of surge suppression devices being requested?

COR Response: Please refer to 14 21 10 1.9.C traction elevator modernization in the project specification and provide appropriate surge suppressor to protect the elevator equipment.

13. 14 21 00 2.10.A.3 – Please verify main and alternate egress floors for Fire Fighter’s Service.

COR Response: We shall get this verified as we move along.

14. 14 21 00 2.12 – Please specify what elevators are to have emergency service?

COR Response: Elevators P1 – P4, S5, S6 and S10 all shall have emergency services. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.12

15. 14 21 00 2.25 – Can the VA please confirm that the existing guiderails are to be re-used?

COR Response: Yes, they are to be re-used. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.25 traction elevator modernization in the project specifications.

16. 14 21 00 2.42 – Specification is calling for the complete replacement of entrances and sills, but drawings are calling for entrances and sills to remain, please clarify. This would be a VA requirement for new installations, but not for modernizations (14 21 00 vs 14 21 10).

COR Response: Please refer to 14 21 10 2.40 traction elevator modernization in the project specification.

17. 14 21 00 2.44-2.45 – Specification is calling for the complete replacement of all car frames and platforms on the project, but drawings do not indicate this. This would be a VA requirement for new installations, but not for modernizations (14 21 00 vs 14 21 10). Can the VA please clarify this is the intent for this project?

COR Response: Reuse existing car frames and platforms. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.42 - 2.43 traction elevator modernization in the project specification.

18. 14 21 00 Per Item 3.1.D – Contractor witnessed multiple utility runs blocking access to scuttle hole. Drawings do not indicate relocation or demolition of these utilities. Will the VA be responsible for the relocation and or demolition of said utilities.

COR Response: Contractor can add to the bid, the cost or relocating/demolishing the said utilities. Please note, before relocating or demolishing please verify with the VA where the utilities service.

19. 14 21 00 2.7 A – Microprocessor Control System – Last sentence says to add regenerative drive when it is economically advantageous to the VA. Please confirm if regenerative drives are to be included in bids?

A/E Response: Provide pricing differential with bid for evaluation of economically advantageous.

20. Is the VA open to utilizing Temporary and modular infection control walls in lieu metal stud and sheet rock Infection control walls as shown on drawings? Will the VA require all Infection control walls from finish floor to deck?

COR Response: Please follow what the drawing and specification calls for with regards to infection control.

21. Drawings call for Infection control wall panels at every stop, for every elevator. Is the VA open to utilizing Hard walled infection control wall panels on the bottom and top floors only, and utilize plastic infection control barrier (Zip Wall) on all middle floors? Duration of work on middle floors is minimal and produces minimal dust and noise.

COR Response: Please follow what the drawing and specification calls for with regards to infection control.

22. Is there an existing Sump Pump pit within the existing S-12 elevator pit? If not, is the contractor to saw cut, demo, form, and pour a new sump pump pit?

COR Response: There is an existing sump pit, but elevator S12 is not part of this project. Please ignore anything concerning elevator S12.

23. Please provide contact information for existing building Fire Alarm vendor.

COR Response: Firetrol Protection System – (210) 270 – 8400

24. Please provide contact information for existing building Fire Protection vendor.

COR Response: Firetrol Protection System – (210) 270 - 8400

25. Elevator modernizations typically last 20-30 years, but it appears all seven of these elevators were modernized very recently, in the last 3-4 years. Can the facility please explain why another modernization is required so soon after all seven elevators so recently underwent a modernization?

COR Response: Modernization is required because the elevators have been failing a lot and most times, we are told that the parts required to make repairs are not available. We request modernization with non-proprietary parts so the parts can be sourced easily when needed.

26. Who was the prime contractor on the previous modernization and what was the total magnitude of that project?

COR Response: This is a new solicitation, and we would prefer you focus on the requirements needed to complete the project.

27. What newly installed components from the modernization 3-4 years ago does the government anticipate retaining as part of this modernization?

COR Response: Please refer to the project drawings, statement of work and specifications.

The modernization from 3-4 years ago required “non-proprietary” controllers be installed, yet the existing controllers are highly proprietary. Can the facility please elaborate on their definition of “non-proprietary” per the SOW?

Contracting Response: In construction, "non-proprietary" means that a building material, system, or component is not restricted to a single manufacturer or brand, allowing contractors to choose from multiple options that meet the specified performance criteria, rather than being limited to a single proprietary product.

McGoldrick Construction Services Corporation

1. We understand from the site visit today that only elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6 and S10 are included in this project per the Statement of Work and that Elevators S12 (Audie Murphy), E3 and E4 (Kerrville VA) are NOT in contract even though shown on the plans. Please confirm.

Contracting Response: There are only 7 cars (Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10).

2. Statement of Work paragraph 1 (page 7, third paragraph) states “The awardee shall provide the maintenance service(s) for all the contracted elevators within the respective grouping for two

(2) years after the work is completed on the last elevator in the grouping and accepted by the VA COR.” This conflicts with Section 14 21 00 -49 paragraph 3.8.A (page 49) which indicates maintenance services on each elevator from 1 year after completion and acceptance of each elevator.

a. Please confirm the requirement is to provide a 1 year maintenance and warranty per Section 14 21 00 paragraph 3.8.A.

b. Please confirm that the maintenance and warranty start on each elevator when that elevator is accepted for use per Section 14 21 00 paragraph 3.8.A.

COR Response: We clarified this in the statement of work even though the specification says otherwise. The government shall request that the contractor provide the maintenance services for all the contracted elevators within the respective groupings for two (2) years after the work is completed on the last elevator. Also, we require a One (1) warranty from the date of the project substantial completion. So, in summary, the project shall be bided and awarded based on a two (2) year maintenance service and a one (1) year warranty.

3. Solicitation Statement of Work Phasing paragraph 2.A.b states that “Contractor shall not work on more than two elevators at a time while other elevators are still operational. Depending on demand, the COR may allow more than one elevator for modernization if it is deemed adequate.” The phasing plan on A1.0 shows elevators P-1 and P-2 to be in Phase 1, elevators P-3 and P-4 in Phase 2, and elevators S-5 and S-6 in Phase 3. Please confirm that both elevators within each phase can be worked on and taken out of commission at the same time.

COR Response: Please follow the phasing plans and the elevators within a phase can be worked on and taken out of commission at the same time.

4. Issued Plans are in letter size format and not to scale. If you have printed to letter size to reduce the file size for uploading into sam.gov, you may be able to save the original plan file as Reduced File Size which should reduce the file size while maintaining the plan scale. Please issue plans that are to scale in their original plan size format.

COR Response: We shall provide you the 100% design drawing if you don’t already have it.

5. Elevators P2 and S6 were not working during the site visit. Confirm these elevators will be in working condition by contract award or that they will be allowed to remain down until replaced by this contract.

COR Response: We cannot guarantee that P2 and S6 will be in working condition by contract award date.

6. Please identify why elevators P2 and S6 are not currently working and what parts are required to get them working if this is required to be included in the scope.

COR Response: I believe P2 and S6 shall need a complete modernization as parts may have been removed from them to fix the other elevators.

7. The SOW states “During the work, the awardee shall maintain the other elevators operability and serviceability to the respective grouping.” Please confirm any repairs required to keep the elevators in operation will be by contract modification.

COR Response: Part of the contract is that the awardee shall maintain all elevators included in the project.

8. Please provide repair and maintenance logs for each elevator for the past 12 months.

COR Response: The maintenance logs on the elevators shall be made available.

9. The statement of work does not include elevator finishes but plan sheet A2.9 includes new finishes. From the site visit, the passenger elevator wall finishes appear fairly new. Please clarify if any new finishes are required for the elevators.

COR Response: Please review plan sheet A2.9 in the project drawings for the finish schedule. The finishes were selected by the VA interior design team in accordance with (IAW) the VA standards.

10. The Room Finish Schedule on plan sheet A2.9 calls for (W2) 3-Form Varia Resin Panel with Fossil Leaf

Random pattern and (W3) Stainless Steel for service elevator wall panels while specification section 14 21 00 paragraphs 2.46.C and 2.46.E call for stainless and / or high-pressure laminate. The 3-Form Varia Panel with Fossil Leaf Pattern is an expensive architectural finish not typical for service elevators. Please clarify the wall finish requirements for the service elevators by amendment.

A/E Response: Follow Finish Schedule, all elevator finishes have been approved by VA.

11. Reference “Rear” “Left” and “Right” Service Elevator plan details D1/A2.6, F1/A2.6 and B1/A2.7. Is there a wainscot in the service elevators? If yes, what is the wainscot wall finish material? What is the wall finish material above the wainscot?

A/E Response: As for elevator cab wall finish materials, see sheet A2.9 Finish Schedule and Finish Legend. Refer to Material Board Finishes 100% Construction Documents, 03 May 2024 attached.

12. Portions of elevator specification section 14 21 00 are not edited. For example, specifications list multiple options with // marks separating the options. We understand the contractor can choose from any of the listed options unless revised edited specifications are provided by amendment.

Please confirm.

COR Response: Please refer to the addendum 01 where the corrections were effected.

13. Reference Specification 14 21 00, Para 2.11 A. Is key switch or toggle switch required?

COR Response: Key Switch Is required. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.11A traction elevator modernization project specification.

Texas Velocity Enterprises LLC

1. I do not see the referenced specification section that defines what submittals are needed. Please advise?

COR Response: Please review section 01 33 00 Submittal procedures.

2. Please advise whether emergency power is provided or if we should follow Item 2.9.E

(emergency rescue operation) as elevators cannot have both options?

COR Response: All the 7 elevators are on emergency / critical power.

3. Please verify main and alternate egress floors for Fire Fighter’s Service?

COR Response: We shall get this verified as we move along.

4. What elevators should have emergency service?

COR Response: Elevators P1 – P4, S5, S6 and S10 all shall have emergency services. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.12

5. Confirm if new cab doors are required?

COR Response: Yes, New cab doors are required.

6. Please confirm if testing will need to be done outside of normal working hours?

COR Response: The COR shall coordinate with the contractor to find the appropriate time for testing.

7. Will the VA remove/relocate anything in the scuttle area so we can have unabated access for lifting the machines? If not, we will need a list of items that are in the way so we can properly price relocation.

COR Response: Contractor can add to the bid, the cost or relocating/demolishing anything in the scuttle area. Please note, before relocating or demolishing please verify with the VA.

8. If we use the scuttle hatches to hoist equipment up and down, will we be allowed to set up a temporary zip barrier as we will need a larger opening than a 32-36” door as the ICRA states to get equipment in and out of the area?

COR Response: We will have to get approval from our ICRA experts.

9. Can the site super act as the QC and SSHO as long as they meet all of the requirements, or will this be a 2-hat project?

Contracting Response: Refer to the TIL. MASTER CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) -

Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov) 01 35 26 Safety Requirements

1.9 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) and “COMPETENT PERSON” (CP):

C. These Competent Persons can have collateral duties as the subcontractor’s superintendent and/or work crew lead persons as well as fill more than one specialized CP role (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire Safety/Life

Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and Trenches/Excavations).

However, the SSHO has be a separate qualified individual from the Prime

Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.

10. Are we to retain the platform, sling, guide rails, and cab frame?

COR Response: Please review 14 21 10 traction elevator modernization project specification.

11. Are the current shafts and control rooms up to current code? Sprinklered, required heat and smoke, ect… COR Response: yes, they are up to code, and it may be necessary to add more smoke and heat detectors.

12. Who is the VA’s preferred controls vendor for fire and life safety/ Building management system?

COR Response: In the past, the VA have worked with Firetrol and Beckwith.

13. To what extent are we upgrading the electrical? Are we required to bring everything to current code?

COR Response: Please review drawing and project specifications.

14. Are we refinishing or cladding the current entrances which state are to remain?

COR Response: Follow Finish Schedule in the project specifications.

15. Are the current service elevator floors welded to the platforms or are they bolted to the platforms?

COR Response: I believe the floor is bolted to the platform.

16. Does the ICRA barrier need to extend past the drop ceiling through the interstitial?

Just to confirm, during the site visit it was stated we are not bidding any alternate elevators. Is this correct?

COR Response: The ICRA barrier should not extend past the drop ceiling, but we need to verify with our ICRA expert. Also, you are not bidding the alternate elevators. For this bidding only focus on the following elevators, P1 - P4, S5, S6 and S10

M2 Federal Inc.

1. Please confirm whether ASME 17.1 (2022), ASME 17.1 (2019), or ASME 17.1 (2016) is the applicable code Proposals are to be based upon.

DISCUSSION: Texas acknowledges the 2016 code, but the latest code is 2022. The requirements vary considerably between 2016 and 2022 that increase modernization complexity and cost.

Absent specifying the applicable code year, it is not possible to obtain common-standard proposals to perform an ‘apples-to-apples’ evaluation.

A/E Response: Use ASME 17.1 (2022)

2. If ASME 17.1 (2022) or ASME 17.1 (2019) is the applicable code, are Proposals to include or exclude video monitoring and/or remote 2-way text and voice? If not, should the elevator controller, travel cable and/or Cab Operating Panel be provisioned for CCTV and 2-way text and voice.

DISCUSSION: 2019 and 2022 codes require ADA functions like CCTV and voice/text communication hosted offsite using a 2nd communication path. These features raise HIPPA and information security concerns that facilities may, or may not, have mature policies and procedures in place to accommodate. If foregoing these features, there is a minor cost avoidance by not provisioning, but should the features be desired at some future point, the cost of adding is significant.

COR Response: Proposals shall exclude video monitoring and/2-way text and voice, but the elevator controller and cab operating panel shall be provisioned for CCTV and 2-way text and voice.

3. Shall new circuits be required for code compliant lighting? If so, please identify the existing panels and slot positions to provide these additional circuits?

DISCUSSION: Individual circuits must be provided for hoistway lighting under the most recent code. Please confirm 7 new dedicated lighting circuits are available, and where they are located for each circuit, along with the appropriate path to route the feed to the Hoistway lights.

A/E Response: The existing lighting circuitry shall be reused.

4. Shall Remote Monitoring be required?

DISCUSSION: SOW C) d) v.) specifies 24hr remote monitoring service. This service requires the units to be connected to a broadcasting cellular or dedicated duplex circuit to an offsite counterpart to exchange elevator events with a facility external to the Hospital. Some sensitive facilities do not allow this type of feature. Please confirm the VA would like this feature installed.

COR Response: Remote monitoring will not be necessary.

5. Please indicate the shunting requirement for Panel EPHC Main, TR EPHBB, and XFMR?

DISCUSSION: Currently the entire panel shunts when any heat is activated in the penthouse.

Shall the functionality be separated by devices and their location? For example, shall the passenger cars shunt independently of the service cars. How should shunting be handled for the non-elevator related devices in panel EPHC?

A/E Response: Disconnects shall have shunts. Remove shunts from panel.

6. Shall the new shunt trip breakers in the packaged disconnects be powered by individual 120v circuits?

DISCUSSION: The existing Panel EPHC shunt trips are scheduled to be removed in lieu of packaged units contained in the disconnect switches. These 7 switches will need 120v power to actuate the shunt feature. Shall each disconnect require its own 120v power circuit? Where is the Panel with sufficient power to service each of the additional 120v circuits this requirement creates?

A/E Response: Provide power from panels EPHD and PBEB. Power need not be individually dedicated, can be combined.

7. Shall the shunt trip breakers in the existing panel EPHC be replaced with non-shunt trip breakers?

DISCUSSION: To retain functionality of emergency power, the existing panel EPHC must supply power to the new disconnects. When abandoning the shunt trips should these be replaced or just have the shunt circuitry removed?

A/E Response: Replace with non-shunt trip breakers. Remove associated shunt trip circuitry.

8. Shall new disconnects with packaged shunt trip fire alarm relays be individually programmed into the fire system? A/E Response: Yes DISCUSSION: Shall each individual elevator require its own programmed shunt trip relay be tied into the fire alarm system and programmed independently?

9. Shall the secondary crawl (located immediately under elevators in penthouse machine room with 3x3 access doors) spaces be upgraded to meet code requirements?

DISCUSSION: Secondary crawl space contains the governor and deflector sheaves as well as rope dead ends. Code requires this space to be lighted, and the access doors to disable the elevator. It must also comply with fire alarm requirements. Shall this space be brought up to compliance?

COR Response: Yes, space shall be brought up to compliance.

10. Shall Car platforms and cab subfloor be retained?

DISCUSSION: SOW C) f) ix) indicates the platform shall be retained. This contradicts the drawings which indicate the platforms and subfloor shall be replaced. Please clarify. NOTE:

Recent modernization did not find platform deficiencies.

COR Response: Reuse existing car frames and platforms. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.42 - 2.43 traction elevator modernization in the project specification.

11. If platforms are retained, shall new isolation pads be required on platforms?

DISCUSSION: Isolation pads make a smoother ride and should be replaced if platform is retained.

COR Response: Provide new isolation pads. Please refer to 14 21 10 2.43.C traction elevator modernization in the project specification.

12. Please confirm safeties shall be retained as stated in the SOW?

DISCUSSION: SOW indicates safeties to be retained however Drawings indicate the safeties would be replaced with the platforms. Please confirm safeties shall be retained as stated in the SOW. NOTE: Safeties were replaced in 2021-2022.

COR Response: Retain/reuse existing safeties. Replace worn, damaged or missing parts as needed.

13. Shall cab shells be replaced or retained?

DISCUSSION: Drawings sheets A4.0 indicates cab shells shall be replaced. This is unusual and costly. Please confirm the intent is to replace cab shells for P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10. The cab shell is independent from the cab interior and provides the side-wall structure to attach the interior.

COR Response: Cab Shell shall be retained.

14. Shall the cab dome height be 8ft?

DISCUSSION: It would appear favorable to maximize S5, S6, S10 cab height to support vertical transport of lengthier items. Please advise if the specified 8ft is required or if existing height should be maintained based on existing cab shell dimensions.

A/E Response: Enclosure shall have a minimum canopy height inside the cab of 8’-0.”

15. Shall Cab interiors be replaced as specified in the drawings?

DISCUSSION: Drawings call for interior finishes (wall panels, drop ceilings, flooring, handrails) to be replaced for all 7 cars. Please confirm cars P1, P2, P3, P4, shall have all interior finished replaced with new in accordance with drawings sheets A2.6 – A2.9.

A/E Response: New interior finishes as specified in drawings A2.6 – A2.9

16. Please confirm which cars shall have the compensator chains and compensator chain tension sheaves replaced. Are compensator pit rollers to be replaced?

DISCUSSION: We were unable to see all cars pits to confirm what cars have this feature. In the past, several rollers had bearing failure due to lack of service maintenance. Please confirm which cars shall retain or replace the comp chains and tension sheaves.

A/E Response: Provide new chains and rollers on all traction elevators.

17. Shall Card reader of code pink / Wander guard or other security functions be required?

DISCUSSION: The CLC elevators have a feature for patient security which renders the elevator unusable if a patient with memory care issues is too close to the elevator. Please confirm if any such system or card reader system shall be required and for which elevators and or floors.

COR Response: We would like for all the elevators be provisioned for card readers/wander guard in case we need to install them in the future.

18. Shall interstitial floor Hoistway doors be retained or replaced?

DISCUSSION: Hoistway doors are scheduled to be replaced. Please confirm this is applicable to the 8 interstitial floors.

A/E response: Replaced.

19. Shall Pipe space doors be replaced?

DISCUSSION: Please confirm if doors on pipe space landing below the basement level shall be replaced.

A/E Response: Replaced

20. Please provide picture of the interstitial access hatch pass throughs to the machine room?

DISCUSSION: There is conduit that runs in the opening of the passenger elevator and service elevator hatch doors between the 7th floor drop ceiling and the elevator penthouse. Please provide a picture of this conduit so we may evaluate the use of the access hatches.

A/E Response: See the attached photos.

21. Shall the contractor be responsible for relocating wire, conduit, and piping in the way of the access hatch pass throughs if the contractor chooses to use the pass through to hoist equipment?

DISCUSSION: One or more of the access hatches are obstructed by wires, conduit and piping.

Please confirm whether the contractor is to include the cost of relocating the obstructions should the contractor choose to use the pass through?

A/E Response: Contractor is responsible and should include associated cost.

22. Shall it be acceptable to disassemble the gearless machines to get them into the penthouse using the access hatches?

DISCUSSION: Manufacturers void their warranties if gearless machines are disassembled and broken down into components to move them more easily through small openings. Some manufacturers will send a manufacturer employed technician out to disassemble and reassemble the equipment in order to maintain warranty, but this must be done by the Manufacturer and not the installer and is at additional expense to the installer. Please confirm the Offeror is required to maintain and provide the VA the factory warranty and the disassembly / reassembly to be performed by the manufacturer in accordance with manufacturers requirements for equipment warranty.

COR Response: The VA requires that the manufacturers warranties are not voided.

23. Shall the contractor be able to install a large permanent door opening and exterior door in the elevator penthouse to provide sufficient access to pass equipment in/out of the space? If so, shall the design require a Texas Licensed engineer (stamped) design?

DISCUSSION: The current permanent door providing penthouse access is not of sufficient width or well positioned to support removal of existing elevator components and installing new motors and machines. We can either open up the wall and repair it with CMU/brick after the door is no longer needed, or install a new exterior door to provide a permanent larger opening.

COR Response: We welcome the idea and may require Texas Licensed engineer (stamped) design.

24. Please identify location acceptable to park a crane for equipment lift?

DISCUSSION: Please note where a crane may be parked at the facility so we may appropriately evaluate the equipment lifting.

COR Response: We shall provide the information as we move along.

25. Please provide test results for most recent fire alarm test?

DISCUSSION: Absent the test results it will be assumed all existing devices are functional and operate as designed.

COR Response: We shall provide test results of all the fire alarm test we have available.

26. Shall Pit Ladders be required for cars P1-P4, S5, S6 or S10?

DISCUSSION: While each elevator has walk in access doors, they are not easily accessible and require crawling over and under piping to reach the entrances. Please confirm if Pit ladders shall be required.

A/E Response: Provide pit ladders.

27. Shall car and counterweight Buffers be retained for all cars?

DISCUSSION: SOW indicates the retention of buffers. Please confirm this is correct as it conflicts with specification 14 21 00-21 Section 2.23 and the buffers in S10 appear to have corrosion that warrants replacement.

A/E Response: Provide new buffers.

28. Is Maintenance is to be taken over by Modernization contractor at time of contract award, notice to proceed, or when the contractor removes the first elevator from service? If the latter, is the Modernization Contractor to assume service for all 6 cars, or just the car undergoing modernization’s warranty period, or not at all?

DISCUSSION: The submittal and material lead times may take up to 6 months after contract award before onsite work commences. Even then, the Contractor shall be limited to modernizing 2 elevators at a time. So shall the Modernization Contractor immediately take over service maintenance upon award, or sequentially assume service maintenance as a elevator is modernized and returned to service?

COR Response: At the time the contract is awarded, the modernization contractor assume responsibility of all the elevator under the contract.

29. Shall the contractor providing interim service maintenance be all inclusive?

DISCUSSION: Shall winning contractor be responsible for parts and labor to return elevators to service during the interim maintenance or shall repairs be made as a change order item on a case by case basis?

COR Response: The winning contractor shall take over the maintenance of the elevators that are included on the contract. The interim maintenance shall be all inclusive.

30. Please confirm the contractor is to only propose based on the SOW elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, and S10?

Contracting Response: There are only 7 cars (Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10).

DISCUSSION: SOW indicates 7 elevators however, drawings indicate S-12, E3, and E4 as add alternates. Please confirm we are to remove and ignore any and all aspects of the S12, E3, E4 elevator related work to include electrical, fire, plumbing, and HVAC.

Contracting Response: There are only 7 cars (Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10).

31. Is it possible to deconflict Elevator S12 Sheet E1.4, Detail 2 showing electrical equipment where no consideration is made for Elevator Equipment?

DISCUSSION: The items appear to ignore the presence of elevator equipment and make use of the entire mechanical space. The elevator equipment is large and not considered.

A/E Response: New panel and disconnect location shall be coordinated with new elevator equipment layout.

32. Are 3D door openers required for S5, S6, S10?

DISCUSSION: 3D door openers are a 2022 code requirement, but prone to sensing a person walking by the elevator rather than waiting for the elevator. These False Positive detections result in unnecessary door opening/closing operations that put unnecessary wear on the door operator and waste energy.

COR Response: 3D door openers are not required.

33. Are any repairs to be made to the non-functioning Dumb Waiter adjacent to S10?

DISCUSSION: The dumbwaiter Hoistway adjacent to S10 appears to be an opportunity to make use of the vertical space for a service elevator that would alleviate the constant use of service elevators. Undertaking the design and modernization of this dumbwaiter into a service elevator appears warranted.

COR Response: The dumb waiters are not part of this project. No work will be done on it.

34. Shall the interstitial landings be upgraded to meet code requirements?

DISCUSSION: Code requires this space to be lighted to 10 fc and have smoke detection which likely requires adding new fire devices and programming. These are treated by an inspector as any other lobby landing. Shall the interstitial lobbies be brought up to compliance?

COR Response: Yes, the interstitial landings shall be brought up to code since they are treated as any other lobby landing.

35. Do the elevators currently operate on emergency Power?

DISCUSSION: Please confirm the elevators currently operate on emergency power.

COR Response: Yes, the elevators operate on emergency/critical power.

36. Shall contractor be responsible for adding any signal wire required from the Automatic Transfer Switch and the elevator controls and program the Transfer switch delay as necessary?

DISCUSSION: Please confirm the contractor will be responsible for additional signal wire and programming as needed to integrate the elevator controllers to the Automatic Transfer Switch.

A/E Response: Scope is typically done by non- elevator contractor.

JOCH Construction Co.

• Can you please confirm the car numbers. We have: P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10, but it looks like pricing is asking for (10) ten, cars.

Contracting Response: There are only 7 cars (Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10).

• Where can the crane be set up?

COR Response: We shall discuss this with the winning contractor as we move along.

• Can we store on the roof?

COR Response: We shall provide you with staging areas to stage the elevator modernization materials.

• What's the load bearing capacity of the roof?

COR Response: Not sure but I will get the information.

• Is the maintenance/ warranty for 1 year or 2 years?

COR Response: We clarified this in the statement of work even though the specification says otherwise. The government shall request that the contractor provide the maintenance services for all the contracted elevators within the respective groupings for two (2) years after the work is completed on the last elevator. Also, we require a One (1) warranty from the date of the project substantial completion. So, in summary, the project shall be bided and awarded based on a two (2) year maintenance service and a one (1) year warranty.

• IRCA Level COR Response: ICRA shall be Class 3 for all areas except the ICRA experts says otherwise.

• Update SOW COR Response: Your question is not clear. Any confusion on the SOW is being clarified with this RFIs.

• Update Clin:

Contracting Response: Clin 0001 on Price/Cost Schedule reads as –

Modernization and Repair Elevators P1, P2, P3, P4, S5, S6, S10.

NOTE: All supplies proposed and utilized in this requirement shall be non-proprietary and strictly abide by FAR 52.225-10.

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 238290 – Other Building Equipment Contractors PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Y1DA - Construction of Hospitals and Infirm

• Update Drawing

COR Response: Your question is not clear. Any confusion on the drawing is being clarified with this RFIs.

• Lay down area COR Response: See response above.

• Total POP per phase

COR Response: The POP for the entire project shall be 770 calendar days and you divide that with the all the project phases.