S06 Answers to RFIs training and admin.pdf

Answers to RFI’s

Project 549A4-21-703

EHRM Training and Admin build

1. Occupancy, Phasing, and ICRA- Confirm whether Rooms 321, 406, 407, 414, 414A, and 414B will be fully unoccupied for the duration of construction. If not, provide phasing, work hours, and ICRA requirements.

Answer: Yes, rooms will be fully unoccupied. LEVEL II, see attached

PICR/ICRA.

2. Furniture, IT, and Equipment Removal/Protection- Clarify who is responsible for temporary relocation and protection of existing furniture, computers, monitors, and IT/AV equipment.

Answer: VA.

3. Contractor Parking, Laydown, and Dumpster Location- Identify approved contractor parking, laydown/staging areas, dumpster locations, and preferred delivery route. How much space will be available?

Answer: This will have to be coordinated at pre-construction meeting.

4. Is the existing Roof under contract, or can any licensed Roofing Contractor be used?

Answer: No, there is no contract on roof. Yes, a certified, licensed roofing contractor shall be used. Refer to Specs and TiL.

5. Asbestos Scope in Interior Areas- Confirm that the asbestos abatement shown in the Asbestos Abatement Plan and in sections 02 82 xx represents the full known ACM scope in the project areas.

Answer: Yes, it represents the full known ACM scope, but as per Specs, “The Contractor shall satisfy himself as to the actual quantities to be abated. Nothing in this section may be interpreted as limiting the extent of work otherwise required by this contract and related documents.”

6. Lead-Based Paint (LBP)- Confirm whether any surfaces in the project area contain lead-based paint and whether special procedures are required.

Answer: Lead-based paints in the project area are indicated on the drawings. All procedures are included in the Specs.

7. Fire Alarm Modifications and Vendor Requirements- Confirm whether any licensed Fire Alarm contractor can perform all FA device/wiring modifications or if a VA proprietary vendor must perform portions. Identify required vendor if proprietary.

Answer: Yes, any licensed fire alarm contractor can perform all FA device/wiring modifications, but they shall use compatible components with current system. Recommend you loop in Veterans Fire Life Safety (Rod Davis 314-696-7000), since they are the current vendor contracted by the VA to work on the Fire Alarm system.

8. Specifications 07-60-00-9 Counterflashing specifies Copper or Stainless Steel.

There is a significant cost difference for each type of metal. Can the government specify which product is preferred?

Answer: Stainless steel.

9. Sheet AE601, Door Schedule, Door #414A. What is the fire rating on this door and frame?

Answer: Refer to Specs.

10. Does Door #414A require an STC Rating. If so, what is the required rating?

Answer: Refer to Specs.

11. Will we be able to work in all the spaces simultaneously?

Answer: Yes, coordinate with COR and Interior Design.

12. Currently most of the ceiling support system in each room, conduits, etc. located above ceiling are attached to or go through the existing plaster gypsum ceiling above the lay-in ceiling. On the architectural plans it states do not disturb this ceiling due to asbestos. This ceiling will need to be touched due to the new mechanical systems and revised lighting layouts. Does the VA want us to include pricing for removal and abatement of the plaster gypsum ceiling?

Answer: Yes, price only for removed areas. Not the entire ceiling.

13. How are we to remove demolished materials from the building? Do we have a particular elevator or stairwell we must use?

Answer: See attached PICR/ICRA for details on how to remove demolished materials. No, but priority of elevators are as follows, Patient, VA staff, and then projects.

14. If there is an elevator to be used on this project will it be available for the entire duration of the project?

Answer: No, none that can be dedicated to the project. Priority of elevators are as follows, Patient, VA staff, and then projects.

15. On sheet AD110 it shows the temporary wall system going above ceiling up to the deck. However, the plan does not show for us to demo or repair any ceiling grid in this area. Should we price removal and replacement of ceiling in this area or plan to take the temporary walls up to the ceiling and stopping there?

Answer: Temporary wall does not go up to the deck, only to ceiling. If ceiling tiles or grids are damaged, GC shall replace with no cost to the government.

16. Does any fire alarm wiring need to be in conduit and if so does it need to be red conduit or painted red?

Answer: Yes, metal conduit and painted red.

17. Does the communication wiring need to be in conduit?

Answer: J hooks above ceiling and conduit with fireproofing through walls.

18. If communication wiring is not in conduit can it be suspended with harnesses or does this need to be placed in cable tray? If cable tray is there any existing cable tray that can be utilized for this?

Answer: J hooks and off fire suppression systems.

19. Can we get the model of the existing radiator heaters in each room? They all appear to have slightly different sizes, and the architectural plans call for us to replace the existing covers. Some of the radiator heaters were blocked by furniture and boxes in the rooms. During our site walk, we could not measure all of the radiator heaters. The model numbers would help us determine the correct sizes.

Answer: Models unknown. Site visits recommended after construction award.

20. On sheet AE114 who is responsible for providing and installing the ceiling mounted TV item A5215?

Answer: VA will install ceiling mounted TV items.

21. The existing mechanical controls system is Siemens. Can this work be done by a controls contractor that can bacnet into the Siemens system or does this work have to be performed by Siemens?

Answer: Yes, but it must be compatible with Siemens’ program.

22. Will the VA be providing a commissioning agent, can the subcontractor do the commissioning, or does the GC need to provide a 3rd party commissioning agent?

Answer: The GC shall provide a 3rd Party commissioning agent with coordination between Architect/Engineer and Resident Engineer/COR.

23. Can we get cut sheets or a schedule that indicates any power, data, water, etc.

requirements for the VA provided items? Installation manuals would be extremely helpful if the VA already has these as well.

Answer: Refer to Specs and Design documents. Site visits recommended after construction award.

24. The rooms we're working in, are any of the walls fire rated? If so, how many hours of fire protection?

25. Does the VA have a suggestion manufacture or model they would like the translucent shades to match? Sheet AE641has two options but we do not see where those are called out specifically as "RS-2 or RS-1".

Answer: No suggested manufacture or model. Requirements will be in accordance with Specs and Design documents.

26. The 1442 requires the bid to be valid for 270 calendar days. Due to tariffs and continuous price increases int he industry, 270 calendar days seems excessive and would place significant risk on the contractor. Would the government be willing to reduce this period to 90-120 days in lieu of 270 days?

Answer: The Government will not reduce the number of days for this requirement.

27. It appears the site visit was held approx. 2 months prior to bid. Is there any way an additional site visit be scheduled to bring subcontractors to review the scope and site conditions?

Answer: A second site visit will not be granted.

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

Answer: Yes. The VA will provide the contractor with a tax-exempt certificate, after the contractor fills out Form 01-339, Texas Sales and Use Tax Resale Certificate, and turn it into the Contracting Office.

29. What is the plan for the unit ventilators in each room?

30. What will be the working hours?

Answer: Refer to the SOW. Time changes can be worked through COR and the VA.

31. Will there be any sound proofing requirements during construction?

Answer: Noise should be kept to minimum. Refer to PCRA/ICRA.

32. Will there be any seismic requirements for the split systems on the roof?

Answer: No.

33. Will the exhaust air ductwork be insulated?

Answer: Yes.

34. Will the supply or outside air ductwork need to be insulated?

35. Do the condensate lines off of the cassettes need to be PVC or CPVC?

Answer: CPVC.

36. Does the condensate line need to be insulated off the cassettes?

37. Who is the incumbent controls contractor at the facility?

Answer: Siemens.

38. Is the fire suppression system in each room included in this scope of work?

39. Does each cassette require a disconnect mounted on the unit?

40. Please provide the warranty details on the TPO roof.

Answer: 1-yr install warranty and manufacture warranty provided after acceptance of the project.

41. Will Contractor be responsible for 4 maintaining ICRA Protected Egress from any/all areas that are subject to employees and/or patients. If working space is within the outside boundaries of work areas?

42. Temporary lighting for these areas?

Answer: GC provided.

43. Will dust control in above areas be required to the outside of the building?

Answer: Yes, refer to PCRA/ICRA.

44. How far in advance is required for any/all fire alarm circuitry or raceway alterations?

Answer: 2 weeks.

45. Is there a copy of shut down requirements and procedures for both electrical shutdowns and Fire Alarm shutdowns?

Answer: Yes, this will all be coordinated with COR and VA 2 weeks prior to any shutdown.

46. Will contractor have the ability to relocate employee working space where necessary.?

Answer: All rooms will be available to the GC.

47. What locations will surface floor be needed? What are the specifications for this product?

Answer: Refer to Specs and Design documents.

48. Will ADA height requirements be applicable in these areas?

49. Will Energy management requirements be held to for these areas?

50. Mechanical schedules list control devices. Electrical odes not., Which trade will include raceway, control device responsible for any/all conduit and wire from equipment to control devices?

Answer: Please clarify question.

51. Will Roofing contractor include roof patching for HVAC and Electrical penetrations?

Answer: Yes, Refer to Specs and TiL.

52. Will the elevator shut down have a time limit?

Answer: No, but coordination required through COR and M&O.