Responses RFIs 36C25725R0050 HVAC.pdf

RFIs 36C25725R0050 | STX Upgrade Lab HVAC

1. Which listed CSI divisions (Div. 04–09, 22–26) apply directly to the Lab HVAC upgrade scope?

a. Applicable specifications sections included in construction documents. See

Specifications Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.

2. Will contractors receive clarification or markups for divisions that may not reflect active project scope?

a. Applicable specifications sections included in construction documents.

3. Will the VA create the wall opening for louver installation and AHU movement, or is this part of the Contractor’s scope?

a. The new opening is part of the Contractor's scope.

4. Can the VA confirm acceptable alternatives for temporary AHU placement and routing based on field conditions?

a. Yes. For example, the new opening may be moved closer to gridline 10, the temporary ductwork ran along the perimeter of the work area instead of down the center, temporary ductwork and piping may be routed through an existing louver.

5. Are restoration materials and standards specified for patching the exterior wall after temporary AHU removal?

a. Patching materials have not been specified. Back-up wall may be CMU matching existing or metal stud. Exterior brick shall match existing appearance.

6. What make/model is the existing fire alarm system, and what detectors/dampers are compatible?

a. Information regarding the existing fire alarm systems is unavailable. The Contractor will have to perform field investigations to determine existing fire alarm equipment and design for modifications and additions to the existing systems as needed to meet the design requirements as specified in Section 283100.

7. Can the VA confirm which Division 23 HVAC specs apply to the scope?

a. Applicable specifications sections included in construction documents and those listed in the SOW.

8. Are there known limitations or preferred platforms for integrating the temporary AHU with the existing DDC system?

a. Yes, including weather conditions and utility shutdowns. It’s recommended to reuse the DDC and fire alarm connections from one of the existing AHUs for the temporary AHU.

9. Which DDC control vendor or system is currently installed at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, and is there a recommended integration company?

a. Andover. Reference the specifications for more information.

10. Will floor drains require inspection or upgrade before reuse?

a. Yes. Floor drains shall comply with the specification.

11. Can the VA provide load capacity data for electrical panels serving the temporary and new AHUs?

a. Reference the plans for panel schedule for the new AHUs. The notes on the plans indicate that the Contractor should determine the capacity of panel “EBM” in accordance with NEC 220.87 prior to connection and report the findings to the engineer.

12. Are contractor personnel required to hold confined space certification for work in the interstitial mechanical room?

a. Per the SOW, interstitial work requires review and compliance with STXVA Policy Memorandum 007-15-04 Working Safely in Interstitial Spaces. The specifications also reference the applicable certifications required.

13. Is a phasing plan required at bid submission, or will it be coordinated post-award?

a. This is a preconstruction item. Phasing plans shall be submitted within 45 calendar days after the notice to proceed, in accordance with the plans and specifications.

14. Will the VA provide visual routing diagrams for deliveries, material movement, and access planning?

a. No.

15. What is the process for requesting daily interstitial access permits, and who approves emergency exceptions?

a. Refer to STXVA Policy Memorandum 007-15-04 Working Safely in Interstitial

Spaces. Exceptions may only be granted by the Service Chief.

16. Will the VA provide designated contractor parking on-site, and if so, what are the location and capacity details?

a. Contractors may access the site for drop off and pick up but are not allowed to park in any VA patient, visitor, or employee parking lots. Refer to the SOW and Specifications for more information.

17. Is space available for temporary field infrastructure such as a jobsite trailer, dumpster, wash station, and portable latrines?

a. There is limited space available for temporary dumpsters and clean out only.

18. Are construction personnel permitted to use the on-site cafeteria and shoppette facilities?

a. Only Veterans and VA Staff are allowed to purchase items from the canteen.

Water, coffee, and vending machines are available to the public.

19. Will the COR coordinate Infection Control & Prevention training, or should contractors manage enrollment individually?

a. Each individual working on-site should schedule and attend enrollment appointment for initiation of a background check. Infection Control Training is available after a favorable adjudication and possession of an access badge. The PM/QCM shall coordinate the training with the COR each year.

20. What is the minimum badge enrollment lead time, and are batch or expedited options available?

a. There is no expedited options available. Background check for this project scope can take up to 5 days. Enrollment/Card Pick-Up appointment availability varies by location and can be found using the following link:

https://portal.usaccess.gsa.gov/scheduler/home

21. If badging takes up to 30 days, will the Notice to Proceed (NTP) be delayed accordingly, or will the VA issue temporary badges for early mobilization?

a. It’s recommended to begin badging process after award and prior to NTP.

Temporary badges will not be issued for this project.

22. What documentation or protocol is required for surrendering access badges upon project completion?

a. Reference the SOW, all badges should be returned to the CO or COR.

23. Can the designated Construction Superintendent also serve as SSHO and Quality

Control Manager due to workspace constraints?

a. The SSHO and QC Manager should be two separate individuals. The

Superintendent may serve as one role if they meet the role requirements from the specifications.

24. What specific forms, documents, or enrollment packets are required to initiate the VA badging process for contractor personnel? Please clarify if these include identity verification documents, background investigation forms, training confirmation, and if there is a checklist or standardized submittal format provided by the VA.

a. An OF306 is required to initiate the badging process. You must have two physical and current forms of identification: at least one must be a primary form of ID. Reference the GSA website for acceptable forms of identification.

25. Are there VA-approved container types for tool transport in the interstitial space?

a. Tool transport shall be in accordance with STXVA Policy Memorandum 007-

15-04 Working Safely in Interstitial Spaces and the specifications.

26. Will the VA supply emergency access and NFPA 241-compliant routing diagrams, or should the contractor develop them?

a. Contractor shall develop, as needed.

27. Will third-party environmental monitoring be required during demolition and abatement phases?

a. No, environmental monitoring is typically performed by the QCM.

28. Is there a VA-issued Damage Incident Report template per Division 01, or should the contractor create a compliant version?

a. Report requirements are found in the specifications but templates may be provided by the VA.

29. Is a Contractor Data Handling Plan required, or do VA internal protocols fully address information protection?

a. This is a preconstruction item. Reference the document control requirements found in the specifications.

30. Who manages non-volatile memory retention when VA-owned equipment is removed from site—VA IT or contractor coordination?

a. This equipment is typically returned to the VA-IT for proper disposal.

31. What is the procedure and lead time for submitting public statements or media materials for CO approval?

a. Pursuant to VAAR 852.203-70- Commercial Advertising, contractors are prohibited from making public statements, press releases, or other media materials that reference the Department of Veterans Affairs or this contract without prior written approval from the Contract Officer.

Any such materials must be submitted in advance for review and will require 10 business days for review and coordination. Approval is not guaranteed and will be evaluated based on content and potential impact.

32. Is the project tax-exempt? If so, will a certificate be provided?

a. Yes, it is tax-exempt, and a blank certificate can be requested. See info below:

Regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes:

Offerors are hereby notified that in accordance with V.T.C.A., Tax Code § 151.311, the purchase of tangible personal property for use in the performance of a contract for an organization exempted under Section

151.309 or 151.310 of this code is exempt if the tangible personal property is incorporated into realty in the performance of the contract. Additionally, the purchase of tangible personal property, other than machinery or equipment and its accessories and repair and replacement parts, for use in the performance of a contract for an improvement to realty for an organization exempted under Section 151.309 or 151.310 of the code is exempt if the tangible personal property is necessary and essential for the performance of the contract and completely consumed on the job. The VA is an exempt organization.

Therefore, the contractor's purchase of such building and construction materials within the State of Texas to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or completely used in the performance of the contract is subject to exemption from Texas Sales and use taxes under the code. To take advantage of the tax exemption, the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete a Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate when it purchases construction materials for this contract.

Notwithstanding FAR 52.229-3, all proposals received in response to this solicitation are presumed to reflect this tax exemption and therefore should not include Texas' Sales or Use Taxes on sales of materials for incorporation into VA real estate under this contract or used in the performance of this contract.

Awardee can request a blank certificate if needed.

33. Can the Superintendent also serve in a dual role as either the Quality Control Manager or SSHO? If so, which role is permissible?

a. See question 23.

34. Is it acceptable for the Superintendent to serve in a triple-hat capacity as

Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, and SSHO?

a. See question 23.

35. What are the anticipated working hours?

a. Reference the SOW for Period of Performance, hours of operation, and federal holidays.

36. Are PIV badges required? If so, could you please outline the requirements?

a. Yes. Reference the SOW and specifications.

37. Summer leaving air out of AHU-1 & 2 is at 50-degree Dew Point. No construction standards included in this package. This cold of discharge air should have the following AHU min spec features for all of us to follow or the owner will have sweating and condensation issues.

a. LAT is scheduled for 52°F. Refer to specification 23 73 00 for AHU panel thickness and insulation values.

• Unit must be shipped in sections to fit through the 84" x 42" existing louver. Field assembled and factory start up to assure proper installation.

• No Thru Metal Design for the AHU - Both Unit and Access Doors

• 6” structural steel welded frame and lifting lugs

• Galvanneal floors with 2” PolyIso foam (R- 5.7/in)

• 18 Ga Exterior Casing w/ Gray Acrylic Paint and 22 Gauge Galvanneal Solid Internal liner

• 2" min Double wall construction with 2” mineral wool (R-value 4.0/in) insulation should be required, we recommend 3" due to dew point.

• 304 Stainless Steel Insulated Drain Pan.

• AHU-1 & 2 Plans details M-601 show the supply fan in a draw through fan arrangement. This will promote access door leakage as those compartments will be negative. Units should be designed as blow through fan arrangements to create positive pressure after cooling or heating. This will ensure no access door leakage of unconditioned air.

a. The design is for draw through fan and doors with air tight seals.

• Steam Heating Coil - Do they want integral face and bypass coils or standard face and bypass or just a coil and a valve for temp and freeze protection? Integral is the best, Face and Bypass second and last is single valve control?

a. Integral Face and Bypass per specification 23 73 00.

38. AHU-3 - Shown in blow through arrangement, what is the size limitations for this space and their wanted future use? Also install size restrictions, need more data.

a. AHU-3 size is 142”x96”x66” (LxWxH).

39. What materials are acceptable for temporary chilled water piping to AHU-3? Hoses?

Is this piping to be removed when phase 1 is complete? Or capped for future use?

a. Hoses are acceptable. Remove when phase 1 is complete.

40. Where does the condensate drain piping for AHU-3 to terminate? Parking lot?

a. Per note included on drawing, contractor to route condensate to floor drain and terminate above floor. Field verification will determine best route.

41. Are the temporary ductwork and wall supports to be demoed after the completion of phase 1? Or capped for future use?

a. Removed when phase 1 is complete.

42. Can the site super double as the SSHO and QC if they possess all the required qualifications?

a. Yes. See question 23.

43. Will we have a lay down area on the campus and close to the project site?

a. No. See question 17.

44. Will there be an ICRA plan?

a. ICRA control measures shall be provided by the contractor during the construction kick-off meeting, prior to mobilization, per the specifications.

45. In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles?

a. See question 23.

46. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?

a. This is a preconstruction submittal, reference the specifications.

47. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?

a. This is a preconstruction submittal, reference the specifications.

48. Is this project tax exempt?

a. Yes, see RFI 32.

49. Are we to dispose/abate of any asbestos, lead, mold or other hazardous material as part of this project? If so, provide appropriate hazardous material site survey report.

50. What will the ICRA level be for this project?

a. See answer to RFI 44.

51. Are there any required/proprietary subcontractors the general contractor is to hire associated with this project?

a. This facility’s existing direct-digital control (DDC) system is manufactured by

Andover, reference the specifications.

52. Will all work associated with this project able to be performed during regular working hours?

a. Utility shutdowns should be performed after hours, per specifications.

53. It is our understanding that the Solicitation is a negotiated Bid (RFP) design-bid-build project with the Government's AE being responsible for the design portion (providing a full and complete set of Specifications and Plans) and the successful offeror being responsible for bidding and building the project based on the Specifications and Plans provided by the Government's AE. Put another way, the successful offeror will not be required to perform any design-build services as part of the contract - correct?

a. This is a design-bid-build project. The successful offeror will be responsible for any additional design work. The AE will not provide additional design work for this project.

54. Are we required to provide a 24 hour/day on-site fire watch during demolition?

a. Fire watch is only required if the fire alarm or sprinkler system is disabled.

55. Please confirm 1) Fire Suppression to be left in place as-is. 2) Parts of the fire suppression are to be replaced. If so, please specify what is to be replaced. 3) The entire fire suppression system is to be removed and replaced throughout the entire construction space.

a. Fire suppression system is not included in the project scope. The existing system shall be protected in place during construction.

56. Can the existing “no name” panel (fed by E2X BUS Plug) next to “L1U” be used for new electrical connections? Should new connections be connected to normal power or critical/emergency power?

a. Yes, the new replacement air handlers may be connected to the no name panel if space allows for the new circuit breakers and new conduit.

57. What are other options for temporary electrical connections in the case that existing panel EBM cannot accommodate temporary AHU-3 loads?

a. The existing panel “EBM” is a 600A main circuit breaker with a 150/3, 60/2 and 15/3 existing circuit breakers that are “ON”. Others are “OFF”. It is anticipated that there is available capacity and space for the new temporary circuit. If this is not possible, additional field investigation will be required.

58. Can the abandoned supports at the building exterior be reused for the temporary AHU-3? Can the abandoned concrete pad be reused for temporary AHU-3?

a. Existing supports and pad have not been inspected or analyzed. Plan on using new supports and pad as shown in the contract documents. The existing supports may be removed, as needed.

59. Sheet M-101/Phase 1 ductwork and piping is passing through the center of the construction limits and may block access for installation of new AHU-1. Can the temporary ductwork and piping be routed through an existing louver to avoid creating a new opening?

a. Add fittings as necessary to accommodate the installation of AHU-1. Any shift of opening location must be coordinated and confirmed with VA.

60. Are there other options for providing the 5 FT clearance requirement from Sheet M- 102/Detail B7/Key Note 3? Can the 22/42” ductwork run horizontally without bends from the new AHUs to the 36/48” shared duct? Can the structure support if suspending the AHUs and/or the shared duct higher off the floor to reduce bends?

a. Duct can run horizontally if clearance is maintained.