Final RFI Questions and Answers_36C25726R0097_01.pdf

RFI Due Date: 01/13/26 (2:00 pm) CDT 36C25725R0097 | 549-820E Renovate CUP Scrubbers

1. As this is the last day for RFI’s, I wanted to ask if you have a list of contractors who have indicated that they will be submitting a bid. You may recall that we will only be bidding as a sub/supplier for the new pumps and we’d like to provide a quote to each of the companies that will be bidding as general contractors. Can you provide us with that information?

Answer: The site visit sign-in sheet will be provided.

2. Is this project tax exempt? If so, will a tax exemption certificate be provided?

Answer:

Solicitation 36C25726R0043 (Page 16 of 94)

A.6 – V.T. C. A Tax Code 151.31

“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.

The successful offeror is responsible for obtaining the certificate, as it is specific to the state of Texas, and not the VA.”

3. Will as-built drawings be available for review?

Answer:Yes, but the contractor still shall conduct verification that the drawings are accurate.

4. What is the NPS of suction piping?

Answer: Diameter of the pipes are approximately 7” (Diameter = 22 inch) but contractor shall do field verification.

5. Are manufacturer-specific products required, or are approved equals acceptable?

Answer: Approved equals are acceptable.

6. Will areas be affected during construction? No. Will there be specified outage times?

Answer: We can phase out the work by doing two cooling towers at a time.

7. Is there room in the existing panel for a breaker for the UV lights or will that have to come from the nearest building?

Answer: Yes, but contractor shall verify and provide engineering calculations of the load that will be applied.

8. Will the government provide a commissioning agent or 3rd party inspector?

Answer: No, the government will not be providing commissioning services.

However, the contractor shall perform a 10-day test and verify that everything works accordingly per the SOW.

9. What size of insulation is on the suction piping?

Answer: Contractor shall match existing insulation thickness and jacket size.

10. Can the government provide the model and serial numbers off the cooling towers?

Answer: Contractor shall verify the model and serial numbers of the cooling towers during field verification.

11. Can the government provide the model and serial numbers off the pumps?

Answer: Contractor shall verify the model and serial numbers of the pumps during field verification.

12. Are the pumps being replaced in this scope of work?

Answer: Yes, it is in the SOW pg. 4 under Statement of Project Objectives line number 5.

13. Foot Valves: Do the units currently have foot valves on the inlet pipe? It looked like they did, and the system would not work otherwise, but must ask to be sure.

Answer: Yes, but contractor shall verify during field verification.

14. UV Lighting: Could a Flow Tech supplemental water treatment system be used in conjunction with the current chemical treatment? It uses an electro pulse to break up the existing scale and to prevent build up. As a single unit that does not require regular maintenance, it is simple and effective.

Answer:

We request that you provide us with various recommendations for treating our water to prevent microorganism growth. These recommendations will be reviewed internally by the VA to determine the best solution, ensuring that any suggested chemicals conform to our standards, are compatible with our existing chemical system, and are VA-approved.

Additionally, we are exploring the use of UV lighting as a method to prevent microorganism growth, such as legionella, in our water system.

15. Are there any drawings/ specs / information on these cooling towers from the previous project that can be distributed out?

Answer: The VA can provide their most recent drawings, but contractor shall still conduct field verification to ensure it is accurate.

16. Will the use of man lift, and scaffolding be allowed to use on this project to clean the cooling towers?

Answer: The contractors shall follow the ICRA and PCRA guidelines and shall provide a safety plan with AHAs followed by a safety orientation with our Construction Safety Officer (CSO).

17. On the back of the last cooling tower there is a broken valve handle by the basin, is fixing / replacing that valve apart of this project? If so, can the valve handle be rewelded back on, or does the whole valve need to be replaced.

Answer: No

18. Do the dump valves on the pump skids need to be replaced or just install a manual bypass around the dump valve?

Answer: Needs both

19. In the "SOW" it states that the piping was installed at a height that impairs suction.

Is the VA wanting the piping to be relocated at a lower height or install pumps that will work with the current height of the pipes.

Answer:

Either option is viable if you can prove that the pump can keep the prime.

20. Is the VA wanting all new pumps that are self priming, or alter the current pumps to comply with the needs?

Answer: Yes

21. Will the VA allow fabrication / install on new pipe supports to be done in the field by means of welding?

22. What is the allowable time frame schedule for daily work? (Start time / End time) Answer: Normal operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, the energy center is available 24 hours a day. As long as no overtime is accrued and the contractor notifies us in advance, it is permissible. Additionally, the contractor must sign in at the energy center before entering the building.

23. Do the butterfly valves on the "OUTLET" side of the pump need to be exchanged once new pumps are installed?

24. Will the site visit log be distributed?

Answer: Please refer to question 1.