Project 671A4-22-172 Bidder RFIs - FINAL RESPONSES - 1-13-2025.pdf

BIDDER RFI’s 12/06/2024 – Final Responses 1/13/2025 36C25725B0001, Remove/Replace Medical Air Vacuum System, Project 671A4-22-172

Reviewer Name Initials Company Affiliation Role

Mark Venti MV VA Kerrville, Engineering Service COR

Jose (Bobby) Reveles Jr. BR VA NCO 17 CS

Trevor Lubianski TL VA Kerrville, Engineering Div. Manager VA Management

Billy Steele BS VA Kerrville, Assistant Eng. Div. Mgr. VA Management

Mike Bankston MB VA Kerrville, Maintenance Supervisor VA Supervision

Shawn Henderson SH VA Kerrville, Engineering Service Alt. COR

Marvin Gray MG VA Kerrville, Engineering Service Engineer Technician

John Dolly JD VA Kerrville, Engineering Service Engineer Technician

Daniel Rutledge DR VA Kerrville, Maintenance Dept. Electrician

Marceau Doze-Guillory MDG VA Kerrville, Infection Prevention Nurse Consultant

Infection Prevention Quality Management

Jared Johnson JJ VA Kerrville, Safety & Occupational Health

Safety & Occ. Health Specialist

Jim Matchett JM Apogee Engineers |Architects Sr. Project Manager

Jennifer Harvey JH Apogee Engineers |Architects Sr. Project Manager

Clay Atherton CA VA Compliance Engineer HEFP/10NA5E

Darrel Maples DM VA HEFP Compliance Engineer (VACO)

Svetlana Misevich Reid SMR Apogee Engineers |Architects Mechanical Engineer

COR’s General Notes

A. See Appendix A, RFI 1-4 responses copied from previous document “BIDDER RFI's & RESPONSE 11-

18-2024” at the end of this document.

B. Some of the more challenging RFIs should be discussed by appropriate reviewers in a VA/AE team meeting. COR will arrange virtual Teams Meeting(s) as necessary.

C. NOTE TO REVIEWERS – Please enter “(your initials) Response:” followed by your response. If the RFI requires group discussion before your response should be considered finalized, please see Note D.

D. NOTE TO REVIEWERS – For comments intended for internal team review only (not yet ready for return to bidders) prior to finalizing, please enter “(your initials) Comments: ” then add your initial comments followed by “Requires Team Discussion - ” then add names of personnel from your company who should attend a meeting with the COR/VA to discuss further.

E. NOTE TO REVIEWERS – The COR has entered questions / instructions / assigned responsibility to reviewers on some of the RFI’s. Please carefully review the COR’s comments, enter your response on this document, and reply to COR: Mark.Venti@va.gov.

5. Will the facility approve for this work to be completed after hours i.e. over two weekends in order to remove the need to provide temporary services put in place?

MV Response:

The request is denied. The work shall be performed during regular workdays and hours as described in the SOW. NOTE: The contractor is expected to certify / commission the temporary air/vac equipment. The Government will not commission or certify the temporary equipment.

mailto:Mark.Venti@va.gov

6. Will Lok-Ring (approved by NFPA) be authorized for new piping connections?

JH Response:

Lokring is permitted to be used in lieu of brazed joints as indicated in 226200 VacuumSystLabandHealthcareFac section 2.2.G.4, 226300 GasSystemsLabandHealthcare section 2.1.F.4 and NFPA 99 (2024) 5.1.10.3.1 (4).

7. Should the offerors include in their bid to update the wiring from the new units to the alarm panel if the current wiring is not up to current code?

JH Response:

Plumb Note (SMR): A 3rd party Medical gas inspection report conducted by Evergreen Medical Services indicates Master Alarm deficiencies. Per meetings minutes, master alarm upgrades are not a part of the project and should be addressed as a part of a separate project.

8. Are the ICRA/PCRA documents available?

BR Response:

These documents were posted in Amendment 0001.

9. Can you provide floor plans showing the equipment and master alarm panel locations?

Per RFI #12, JH Response:

Wiring for the master alarms is not in the original scope of work and was installed prior to this code.

It is not required to be brought up to the current code under this project.

MV Response:

Alarm panel drawings are not available currently.

DR Comments:

For information only, the locations of the alarm panels are:

Boiler Plant, monitored 24/7.

The main operator VA #1, 1st Floor, Building 11.

Locally at the equipment, 028-11.

10. Can you provide pictures of the current Master Alarm Panels? There should be a minimum of two per NFPA 99 requirements.

MV Response:

Master Alarm Panel photos will not be provided due to alarm system upgrades not being included in this SOW.

Per RFI #12, DR Response:

For information only, the locations of the alarm panels are:

Boiler Plant, monitored 24/7.

The main operator VA #1, 1st Floor, Building 11.

Locally at the equipment, 028-11.

11. Are the following functions monitored on both Master Alarm Panels for the Medical Air and Medical

Vacuum systems being replaced? This is required per NFPA 99 5.1.9.2 and system Verification under

NFPA 99 5.1.12.4.5.2

a. Medical Air Line Pressure Low

b. Medical Air Line Pressure High

c. Medical Air Dew Point High

d. Medical Air Lag Compressor In Use, CO Level High (These can be 1 alarm)

e. Medical Vacuum Line Pressure Low

f. Medical Vacuum Lag Pump In Use JH Response:

All of the below listed functions are monitored at both alarm panels per Medical gas inspection report conducted on 09/01/2021 by Evergreen medical services.

a. Medical Air Line Pressure Low - Yes

b. Medical Air Line Pressure High - Yes

c. Medical Air Dew Point High - Yes

d. Medical Air Lag Compressor In Use - Yes, CO Level High (These can be 1 alarm) - Yes

e. Medical Vacuum Line Pressure Low - Yes f. Medical Vacuum Lag Pump In Use - Yes

12. The current master alarms are sharing common conductors which is not in compliance with NFPA code. Will this be required to be brought up to current code?

JH Response:

Wiring for the master alarms is not in the original scope of work and was installed prior to this code.

It is not required to be brought up to the current code under this project.

13. If the MAP low voltage is required to be brought to code, does the wiring need to be in conduit?

Per RFI #12, JH Response:

Wiring for the master alarms is not in the original scope of work and was installed prior to this code.

It is not required to be brought up to the current code under this project.

14. When working in the ceiling will we be allowed to work in the ceiling outside of containment or will we have to work in a containment/containment cart?

MDG Response:

Use of Portable Temporary Pop-up containment outside the immediate work site is acceptable if there is not an excessive amount of dust and debris generated by the work activity. The VA shall inspect and approve all containments prior to commencing work inside the containments and shall periodically inspect to verify continued conformance with the applicable ICRA requirements.

15. What is the distance from the equipment to each master alarm panel?

Per RFI #12, JH Response:

Wiring for the master alarms is not in the original scope of work and was installed prior to this code.

It is not required to be brought up to the current code under this project.

MG Comments:

For information only, distances to the operator’s booth (VA#1 office) is approximately 100’ and to the Boiler Plant is approximately 1600ft.

16. If we complete the installation on a weekend, do we have to provide temporary systems?

Per RFI #5, MV Response:

The request is denied. The work shall be performed during regular workdays and hours as described in the SOW. NOTE: The contractor is expected to certify / commission the temporary air/vac equipment. The Government will not commission or certify the temporary equipment.

17. Is the medical vacuum exhaust turned down/screened?

MG Response:

The Med Vac exhaust has a round galvanized conical vent self-contained exhaust vent on top of the building 11 at the chimney. See photos section. See also, RFI #19.

18. Is the medical vacuum exhaust 10’ from windows/doors and 25’ from air intakes?

Yes, clearances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows are at a minimum or greater distance.

See also, RFI #19 and photos section.

19. Where does the medical vacuum exhaust piping exit the building? Can you provide pictures? (close

& far to verify distances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows).

MG Response:

The Med Vac Exhaust runs through building 11 and terminates / exhausts at the roof of bldg. 11 at the chimney that has a round galvanized conical vent. The distance between the vac pump and chimney is approximately 100ft. Clearances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows are at a minimum or greater distance. See photos section. See also, RFI #17.

20. Is the Medical Air intake turned down/screened?

Yes. See photos section. See also, RFI #21 & #22

21. Is the Medical Air intake at least 25’ from exhausts, 10’ from operable doors and windows, and 20’ off the ground?

MG Response:

Yes, clearances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows are at a minimum or greater distance.

See photos section. See also, RFI #20 & #22.

22. Where does the Medical Air intake piping exit the building? Can you provide pictures? (close & far to verify distances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows).

MG Response:

The Med Air Intake exists bldg. 11 basement mechanical room, runs vertically up on the outside of the brick wall, and terminates / exhausts above the roof. Clearances from intakes, exhausts, and doors/windows are at a minimum or greater distance. See photos section. See also, RFI #20 & #21.

23. The Amico submittal shows the Medical Air intake inlet size at the system is 1 ½” for the new spec’d equipment. The existing piping is 2”. Has anyone completed the pipe size calculation based on the number or offsets and length of pipe to confirm the existing piping is properly sized? If it is too small it will have to be upsized or it will potentially create a vacuum and void the warranty. Please complete the calculation and advise accordingly.

JH Response:

Verification (Bernoulli eq.)

max pressure drop, P1 4 in of water

0.1444 psi h2, height difference 30 ft d, specific weight of air 0.076 lbf/ft^3 D, diameter 1.959 inches d, specific weight, lb/in^3 0.000044 g 32.2 f/s^2

386.4 in/s^2 q 44.2 scfm

330.616 gpm viscosity of air 0.0000004 lbfs/ft^2 velocity, v2 35.19 fps

422.307 inches per s Re 33900 roughness (steel) 0.000007 ft roughness (copper) 0.000005 ft Roughness to diam ratio 0.000043 f 0.025

1105.9 inch Maximum developed length of 2 in pipe: 92.2 ft

Length of pipe: 53.5 ft Number of 90 deg. elbows: 9 Equivalent length of pipe (1 elbow) 5.5 ft Total equivalent length of pipe: 103 ft

See Drawing PG400, Revision #1 – 1/10/2025. Increase intake pipe size to 2.5''.

2.5'' pipe size is also consistent with manufacturers recommendation based on developed pipe length.

24. What is the maximum temperature in the mechanical room? Mechanical space is required to be conditioned per the manufacturer, not to exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit or you can potentially void the warranty.

BS Response:

The mechanical room temperature does not exceed 105oF. The Contractor shall provide equipment that is designed to operate in a space that is at or below an upper temperature limit of 105oF”.

25. The VA should NOT be responsible for commissioning the systems as this is already handled through the factory start up and 3rd party verification. Please advise.

JH Response:

The requirement for recertification of the new equipment was added after 95% review meeting. Yes, the contractor should provide recertification of the new medical gas equipment. Recertification of the building side system is not the responsibility of the contractor. Contactor shall also test the existing system for operation, alarms, and capacity and provide a report to the COR prior to demolition.

(Plumbing demolition general note 10, Plumbing general note 17, PG001). Note 17: PROVIDE RECERTIFICATION OF NEW INSTALLED MEDICAL GAS EQUIPMENT. TEST SYSTEMS FOR OPERATION, ALARMS AND CAPACITY AND PROVIDE FINAL COMMISSIONING REPORT.

See Drawing PG001, Revision #1 - 1/10/2025.

26. Are you able to provide more pictures and/or dimensions of the entrance/exit of equipment into the Mech room from the exterior?

MG Response:

The doors to the med air / vac equipment room are solid door frames with 3’-0” W x 7’-0” H doors in masonry walls. See photos section. The automatic sliding glass entry doors reviewed during the pre-bid meeting provide similar clearances.

27. There is a note on drawing PG001 that states for Alternate Bid #1, to provide “Recertification of the Building side Medical Gas System”. Does this note just cover the recertification of the Vac and Air systems we are affecting with the new equipment for these two systems only?

Per RFI #25, JH Response:

The requirement for recertification of the new equipment was added after 95% review meeting. Yes, the contractor should provide recertification of the new medical gas equipment. Recertification of the building side system is not the responsibility of the contractor. Contactor shall also test the

ALARMS AND CAPACITY AND PROVIDE FINAL COMMISSIONING REPORT.

See Drawing PG001, Revision #1 - 1/10/2025.

28. Can we purchase, deliver, and submit invoicing for the air and vacuum pump systems before the NTP for the construction start date to help in avoiding an equipment price escalation?

MV Response:

The Government will not pay for claims involving price escalations that occur after the bid due date.

Contractors may deliver technical product data submittals for the air and vac pump systems at any time after the contract has been awarded. Upon government approval of the required submittals, the contractor may purchase the equipment, deliver the equipment to the Kerrville Medical Center, and store the equipment inside a weather tight storage container provide by the contractor and located in the laydown area at the Medical Center. The contractor will be allowed to invoice the Government for payment of the equipment in their next monthly invoice to the Government. The contractor shall include support documentation with their invoice, to include an invoice from the equipment supplier indicating the purchase price was paid in-full. The Government will then pay for the equipment.

Appendix A Previous Bidder RFI’s 1-4 and Responses

From Document ““BIDDER RFI's & RESPONSE 11-18-2024”

BIDDER RFI’s and RESPONSES 11/18/2024

36C25725B0001, Remove/Replace Medical Air Vacuum System, Project

671A4-22-172

1. Can the superintendent act as QC?

MV Response:

Project superintending and quality control may be collateral duties assigned to the qualified construction superintendent employed by the prime contractor. See spec section 01 45 00-1, Para’s.

3.1 and 3.2 in the solicitation documents. Para. 3.1 holds the project superintendent responsible for the quality of the work and designates the superintendent as the “highest level manager responsible for the overall construction activities at the site, including quality and production”. Para 3.2 includes

CQC Plan requirements, the contents of which shall include a description of the QC organization staff, organization chart, and staff resumes. See also, response to RFI #2 below for references to qualification requirements, supporting documentation submission, and other CQC requirements.

2. Section 01 45 00 para 3.4 C lists additional QC’s not applicable to this project. Can Para 3.4 C be deleted?

MV Response:

Para. 3.4C shall not be deleted. Only the areas of specialization “applicable to” this project are required to be represented by CQC Staff qualifications. Other areas of specialization that are not represented in the project shall be disregarded and representation of such in the CQC staff’s qualifications will not be required unless unforeseen circumstances or conditions arise during construction that require such expertise. Such circumstances could result in a change to the contract, at which time the CO would address the addition of CQC expert support in the specialized area(s) of impact. Areas of specialization represented in this project are Electrical, Mechanical, and Low Voltage Systems. The on-site person assigned to fulfill the role of CQC System Manager, in this case the project superintendent per response to RFI #1, shall have qualifications acceptable to the VA to oversee quality control in these three areas. Proof of qualifications shall be submitted to the COR for review and approval in accordance with spec section 01 45 00-1, Para’s. 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.4.

3. PG001 refers to an Alternate to recertify building side of existing Medical Gas system. There is no Alternate. Please confirm recertification of building side of existing Medical Gas system is Not In Contract.

Per RFI #25, JH Response:

The requirement for recertification of the new equipment was added after 95% review meeting. Yes, the contractor should provide recertification of the new medical gas equipment. Recertification of the building side system is not the responsibility of the contractor. Contactor shall also test the

ALARMS AND CAPACITY AND PROVIDE FINAL COMMISSIONING REPORT.

See Drawing PG001, Revision #1 - 1/10/2025.

4. Specifications include Section 02 82 13.13 Glovebag Asbestos Abatement, but there is no scope or quantities provided for abatement. If any asbestos abatement is required, please identify specific materials to be abated along with quantities.

MV Response:

Refer to asbestos location floorplan “Building 11 – Basement-H2” inserted after the end of spec section 02 82 13.13 AND after the photos below. Pipe mastic at fittings is indicated to be an asbestos containing material (ACM). No other materials involved with this SOW is suspected to contain ACM.

Photos below show a sampling of the fittings that contain asbestos. There are approximately 50 total fittings at the vacuum and air pump systems that shall be considered to have been assembled with ACM pipe mastic. Pipe sizes are 2” dia. or less.

ACM Pipe Fittings, Vacuum Pump ACM Pipe Fittings, Vacuum Pump Exhaust

ACM Pipe Fittings, Vacuum Pump

ACM Pipe Fittings, Vacuum Pump

ACM Pipe Fittings to, Building Distribution Line

ACM Pipe Fittings, Air Pump

ACM Pipe Fittings, Air Pump

ACM Pipe Fittings, Air Intake ACM Pipe Fittings, Air Pump

Photos Requested in RFIs

Access From Elevator Lobby

Exterior Access

Medical Air Intake Pipe

Medical Air Intake Pipe, Closeup of Termination

Medical Vac Exhaust

Medical Vac Exhaust Closeup

Mechanical Room Access

Med Air & Vac Equipment in Background Behind Column in Circled Area.