RFIs - 36C25726B0001 - Upgrade Chillers and Cooling Towers 4-10-26.docx

RFI’s 36C25726B0001 Project 549-23-601 Upgrade Chillers & Cooling Towers at Energy Center Spur Project #2090.10

All responses from Spur are shown in RED. Any RFI’s requiring VA input or confirmation are shown in BLUE.

1. Does a new refrigerant monitoring system need to be provided and installed as part of this bid?

VA Response: Yes – old chillers used R-22. New monitoring system will be required to match new chillers.

2. Do we need new refrigerant monitor sensors for the 4 new chillers provided and installed as part of this bid?

VA Response: Confirm all monitoring system requirements with chiller manufacturer.

3. Is there a basement under the current concrete slabs for the existing chillers, pump, and drives?

VA Response: No basement, everything on ground floor is slab on grade.

4. Should infrared testing be completed on the current concrete slabs for rebar purposes?

VA Response: Contractor means and methods for how they plan to avoid incidental damages. However, reference specifications for requirements of “radar” scanning of trenching activities.

5. Can you explain the reference to integral VFD’s on pumps?

VA Response: Not required if VFD’s are to be reused, refer to comment #6. VFD’s are to be mounted or affixed to pumps from manufacturer, separate VFD installed on wall will not be required.

6. Please clarify which VFD’s on pumps need to be replaced as the drives on pump #3 through #9 as they were started up less than a year ago?

VA Response: No exceptions for reusing existing VFD’s, verify all electrical motor requirements for new pumps. HP rating on pumps shall meet or exceed the existing VFD ratings.

7. The solicitation notes chillers & cooling towers but I do not see anything relating to the cooling towers. Please confirm if there is any work on the cooling towers that is not included in these drawings that should be.

VA Response: Confirmed – no work on cooling towers other than what is required to connect condenser water piping to new chillers and controls required to function as described in the sequence of operations.

8. Page 6, ” Provide”, Section “C”- Does this project have a commissioning agent provided by the VA or is the just referencing proper equipment start-up & documentation? TAB looks to be included already as part of the specs book

VA Response: Commissioning is to be included in this proposal and will not be provided by the VA.

9. Page 6,” Provide”, Section “E”- What is the Governments expectations of salvaging and/ or storage of old equipment? Is the Government planning to salvage any items for reuse from the old equipment or do they just want chain of custody documented showing proper salvage was performed of old equipment?

VA Response: Contractor to provide chain of custody documented showing proper salvage was performed.

10. I do not see a pump piping detail like the one for the chiller shown on M-501, detail 1. I see M-401 detail 5 but it does not show required components. Can you provide one for design intent showing required component details/ locations?

VA Response: Refer to VA Detail SD232123-02 provided with these responses.

11. M-702 detail 1 shows presumed graphics page. The secondary chilled water pump insinuates motorized control valves on both sides of the pump. Is that the intent or is the intent for just one new motorized control valve? On existing piping, I did not see existing on either side of the pump, just a check valve

VA Response: Single motorized dampers are acceptable, provide valves on both sides for isolation. Contractor shall be responsible for verifying existing conditions and providing any and all valves, manual or motorized required to function as described in the sequence of operations.

12. M-701. Is the reflected valve schedule showing the new valve schedule or is this supposed to be existing valves?

VA Response: Existing valves are to remain and be reused, for information only.

13. M-701 shows equipment selections, but apparat to be of existing equipment. Please confirm that refrigerant monitor station and emergency refrigerant exhaust fan ventilation is not part of this scope. If it is, may you provide that drawing sheet for review?

VA Response: Refrigerant monitoring included, see response to questions 1 & 2. All fans and ductwork for emergency purge system is not included. All controls work required for integrating new refrigerant monitoring system shall be considered as part of this contract.

14. M-702 detail 1 Primary CHW Pump shows the bypass valve going to the chiller and it is tied in before the manual isolation valve at the pump. The chiller CHW motorized isolation valve is positioned at the chiller before the bypass tie-in, allowing for flow when the chiller is off (presumed). Current field conditions appear to have the motorized valve at the inlet side of the pump and located before the bypass pipe, stopping all flow when this valve is closed. Do we need to include pipe freezing and changing this piping to reflect the drawn intent?

VA Response: No, freeze protection not included in scope – coordinate existing plant SOO for new chiller integration. Existing valves and piping are to remain and be reused, all piping and bypass in detail are for information only.

15. Is the intent to replace any pneumatic valve with DDC for equipment contained in this scope?

VA Response: Yes – replace all pneumatic to meet latest VA requirements, confirm with VA.

16. Does the building have a crawl space or is it slab on grade? If slab on grade, any replacement raceways, if needed, are they okay to be run overhead.

VA Response: The building is slab on grade and does not have a crawl space. In the event replacement raceways are required, routing such raceways overhead is acceptable, provided they are installed in accordance with the Contract Documents, applicable codes, and coordination requirements with existing building systems.

17. Is there a preferred roofer that must be used to maintain any roof warranties?

VA Response: POC GCC 214.923.2739

18. Drawing E201, Note 13 references the installation of new Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for pumps 70-CHP-7, 8, and 9. However, during a recent site walk, it was observed that these pumps are already equipped with recently installed VFDs that appear to be operational and connected to the existing system. Please provide direction on the following:

VA Response: No exceptions for reusing existing VFD’s, verify all electrical motor requirements for new pumps. Existing VFD ratings shall meet or exceed the HP ratings on pumps. If new VFD’s are required, contractor shall be responsible for the following:

· Removal and installation of all VFDs shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents, including applicable specifications, manufacturer recommendations, and governing codes. Removal shall include safe disconnection and disposal of existing equipment as directed. Installation of replacement VFDs shall include all necessary electrical connections, programming, testing, commissioning, and coordination with associated control systems to achieve fully operational status. Verify compatibility of the existing VFDs with the project’s control system requirements, including communication with the BAS where indicated.

· Perform functional testing and coordination testing as required to confirm proper operation within the modified system.

· Provide any minor field adjustments or programming modifications necessary to integrate the existing VFDs into the completed system.

19. Confirm that the intent of the contract documents is for all existing 5kV medium-voltage (MV) cabling to be removed back to its source, and for new MV cabling to be furnished, installed, and tested in accordance with the project specifications, extending to the new chiller VFD/Starter Panel.

VA Response: The intent of the contract documents is that all existing 5kV medium-voltage (MV) cabling associated with the new chiller equipment shall be removed back to its source unless noted otherwise on the drawings. The Contractor shall furnish, install, terminate, and test all new 5kV MV cabling in full compliance with the project specifications and applicable standards. The new MV cabling shall extend from the source equipment to and include the new chiller VFD/Starter Panel, complete with all required terminations, testing, and commissioning.

20. Are there liquidated damages?

VA Response: Liquidated damages is not included

21. Will this building have tenants during construction?

VA Response: Yes (Boiler plant operators).

22. Has hazardous material testing been completed?

VA Response: Yes, asbestos report attached.

23. Is this project tax exempt?

VA Response: Yes. 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 bids 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.

24. Where are staging, laydown, and material storage areas located?

VA Response: Eastside of building 70(back of building).

25. Does the contractor need to provide inertia bases for the pumps?

VA Response: Reference spec section 23 21 23 – Hydronic Pumps

26. Is the VA providing the commissioning agent?

VA Response: Duplicate question. Refer question #8

27. What infection control requirements apply (ICRA)?

VA Response: Refer spec section 01 35 26 – Safety Requirements

28. Are temporary systems (cooling, power, etc.) required during phasing?

VA Response: No, chillers will be replaced one at the time.

29. Is the contractor responsible for water treatment?

VA Response: Reference spec section 23 21 13 – Hydronic Piping

30. 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.

VA Response: Asbestos report (Attached)

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

VA Response: Ref: spec section 01 35 26 – Safety Requirements. (Included as attachment in the solicitation)

32. Will containment walls/ICRA barriers be required?

VA Response: Ref: spec section 01 35 26 – Safety Requirements.

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

VA Response:

ONCOR Jeffrey A. Beach Account Manager, LC&I Key Accounts Oncor | Customer Engagement 2001 North Industrial Blvd. Bedford, TX 76021

Cell: 817-422-4084 Jeffrey.Beach@Oncor.com

Siemens Barney King Projects Manager SIEMENS Industry, Inc.

Smart Infrastructure

5800 Granite Parkway Suite 600 Plano, TX 75024

24hr Service: 1-866-387-7136

Mobile: 1-214-356-0809 Mailto: barney.king-ii@siemens.com

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

VA Response: Yes

35. 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?

VA Response: Correct, the successful offeror will not be required to perform any design build services.

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

VA Response: No, but safety requirements must be met according to the specifications.

37. 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.

VA Response: Building is shown to be fully sprinklered throughout and there is no scope shown to replace any portion of the fire suppression system.

38. Does the contractor need to provide temporary chillers? If so, please specify the requirements.

VA Response: Reference question #28.

39. Will all work be able to be completed at the same time? If not, how many replacements can the contractor perform at once?

VA Response: One at a time.

40. Will shutdowns need to be complete during the weekends/after hours, or can all work be done during normal working hours?

VA Response: During weekends/after hours to minimize the impact on patient care.

41. What testing, if any, is required for the project?

VA Response: Reference specifications. Searching “Testing” resulted nearly 400 hits. GC is responsible for reading specifications and providing services listed.

42. Is the VA handling all commissioning for the project? If not, what is required to be commissioned by the contractor?

VA Response: Duplicate question. Refer to question 8.

43. Please confirm the proposal due date? The solicitation give two separate dates (4/15 and 4/17).

VA Response: The Proposal due date is 4/17/2026 at 10:00 AM CST. Please note that this has been updated in amendment 0001 of the solicitation.

44. Please confirm if emailing the bid bond is permitted.

VA Response: Yes

45. Please confirm if the existing controls are JCI or Siemens.

VA Response: Yes.

46. Please confirm that demolition and replacement scope is limited to piping and components downstream of existing isolation valves, and that all upstream piping and isolation valves are to remain.

VA Response: Correct – all upstream piping, valving, controls and instrumentation shall remain in place and be reused.

47. Please confirm that only piping modifications required to connect new equipment to the existing system are included, and that complete downstream piping replacement is not required unless specifically noted.

VA Response: Correct – provide and install all piping required to install chillers and pumps, modify existing piping as required for installation per manufacturer data.

48. Please confirm that existing isolation valves (recently replaced) are to remain, in proper working order, and to be reused. Only control/balancing valves associated with new equipment are to be provided.

VA Response: Existing valves are to remain and be reused. Contractor shall be responsible for verifying existing conditions and providing any and all valves, manual or motorized required to function as described in the sequence of operations.

49. Please confirm that each chiller and associated pumps can be isolated and replaced independently without impacting operation of remaining equipment.

VA Response: Contractor shall be responsible for verifying existing conditions, coordinate replacement or installation of all controls, valving, sensors, actuators, etc. needed to function as described in the sequence of operations.

50. Please confirm anticipated shutdown requirements for tie-ins and whether system redundancy allows work to proceed without full plant shutdown.

VA Response: No shutdowns are anticipated for work, all unexpected issues requiring shut down shall be coordinated with the VA.

51. Please confirm full extent of controls scope, including whether contractor is responsible for complete BAS programming, graphics, and integration into existing system.

VA Response: Confirmed – contractor shall be responsible for BAS system integration of all new equipment including all programming, sequencing, graphics, cabling, etc. Refer to specifications and sequence of operations.

52. Please confirm whether JCI/Siemens will provide integration services under separate contract direct to owner or if all integration is to be included in this contract under the mechanical contractor.

VA Response: All BAS system work, programming, components, wiring, etc. required for integration shall be included under this contract.

53. Please confirm TAB scope includes post-installation testing only, or if pre-installation baseline testing and full system rebalance are required.

VA Response: Final testing only, refer to narrative and specifications.

54. Please confirm whether chemical treatment and water quality management will be provided by owner’s existing vendor and direct to owner or if it to be included in mechanical contractors scope. If to be by mechanical contractor, please provide point of contact for current provider.

VA Response: Water treatment is not included, by owner.

55. Please confirm whether contractor is responsible for engineered rigging plan, including crane placement, lift analysis, and structural considerations.

VA Response: Yes, contractor is responsible for engineered rigging plans, including crane placements, lift analysis, and structural considerations.

56. Please confirm basis of design manufacturers for chillers and pumps and whether approved equals will be considered.

VA Response: Approved equals are acceptable.

57. Please confirm the scope of work for this project consist of only (4) chillers, (4) primary chilled water pumps, and (3) secondary chilled water pumps listed on M-501. Equipment schedules listed on M-701 for chiller, cooling towers, packaged separator/filter, condenser water pumps, and exhaust fans are not included and for reference only.

VA Response: GC is responsible for quantities. Equipment needing replaced clearly identified in the plans.

58. Please confirm responsibility for system commissioning, including whether commissioning will be performed by owner/third party or mechanical contractor.

VA Response: Duplicate question (see #8)

59. Please confirm whether any known asbestos, lead, or hazardous materials exist in areas of demolition and whether abatement is by owner or contractor.

VA Response: The asbestos report has been provided. No abatement is needed.

60. Please confirm whether existing pipe supports and housekeeping pads may be reused where feasible or if full replacement is required.

VA Response: No exceptions - contractor shall be responsible for verifying existing conditions of all supports and housekeeping pads. Ensure equipment is installed per manufacturer.

61. Please clarify that contractor is not responsible for upgrading existing systems beyond what is required to connect new equipment unless specifically noted.

VA Response: Contractor shall be responsible for verifying existing conditions, coordinate replacement or installation of all controls, valving, sensors, actuators, etc. needed to function as described in the sequence of operations.

62. The plans state that JCI/York 1000 ton chillers are the basis for design. Are other manufacturers are acceptable?

VA Response: At contractor’s risk. JCI/ York are the basis-of-design (BOD), and performance, as listed for the BOD must be, must be met.

63. Will the sign in sheet be posted?

VA Response: Yes (site visit sign in sheet was posted in amendment 0001)

64. Can the VA confirm the exact phasing plan (A-Wing 1st floor → A-Wing 2nd floor → B-Wing 1st floor)?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

65. What areas are considered noise-sensitive (adjacent clinics, procedure rooms, etc.)?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

66. What level of ICRA classification applies to each phase?

VA Response: Refer to infection control specifications section 1.12 (see ICRA attached to the solicitation)

67. Patient rooms seem to have “local” smoke detectors of various vintage likely not connected to building fire systems. Are these expected to be replaced/upgraded?

VA Response: There are no patient rooms in the building 70 Energy Center.

68. Will patient room night lights be retained and if so will they be upgraded?

VA Response: Not in SOW

69. How much time allowance to shift patients once a wing is completed and ready for occupancy?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

70. Since Phase 1 and Phase 2 are unoccupied can they be done concurrently?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

71. Are there any MEP as built drawings?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

72. What are the badging requirements for onsite staff?

VA Response: The Dallas VA will provide temporary badges to prime contractors and subcontractors.

73. Is the VA responsible for moving VA furniture out of the work spaces?

VA Response: This RFI does not appear to apply to the scope of this project.

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