Consolidated RFI for 26R0024.docx

Consolidated Request for Information (RFI) for 674-23-255 M Improve RO-DI Recirculation

17Q. Reference: Structural Sheet S-601 (Required Third Party Special Inspections Schedule); Structural Sheet S-001 (General Notes); 2021 IBC Chapter 17.

Structural sheets reference 'Required Third Party Special Inspections and Tests' per 2021 IBC Chapter 17. Please confirm whether the Owner or the Contractor is responsible for retaining and paying for all special inspections and testing agencies required under Chapter 17, including but not limited to concrete, reinforcing, anchors (cast-in and post-installed), welding, bolting, and soils inspections.

17A. JH recommends that the owner retain and pay for third party inspection services. VEG to confirm.

18Q. Reference: Structural Sheet S-001 (Carbon Fiber Polymer Reinforcement Notes).

Structural notes for carbon fiber polymer reinforcement state that the manufacturer’s representative shall inspect the work before, during, and after installation. Please confirm whether this inspection is to be provided and paid for by the Contractor, and whether documentation from the manufacturer’s representative is required for project closeout.

18A. The contractor shall provide and pay for the carbon fiber inspection services.

19Q. Reference: Sheet GI112 (Phasing Plan); Sheet GI111 (Equipment Removal Path); ICRA (Attachment 3); PCRA (Attachment 4).

Phasing plan sheet GI112 indicates that all work shall be performed over weekends and nights (Friday after 5:00 PM through Sunday before 8:00 AM). Please confirm:

20Q. Reference: ICRA (Attachment 3); PCRA (Attachment 4); Sheet GI112 (Phasing Plan).

The ICRA and PCRA requirements reference infection control containment measures and construction barriers. Please confirm whether the Contractor is responsible for third-party air monitoring, environmental testing, negative air verification, and final infection control clearance, or whether these services will be provided by the VA.

20A. Refer also to specification section 01 35 16. Continuous negative air monitoring with alarmed digital display is required at minimum.

21Q. Reference: Plumbing Sheet PQ601 (Equipment & Fixture Schedules); General Notes Sheet GI002 (Discrepancy Clause – Specifications Govern).

The drawings include a plumbing equipment schedule identifying system components. Please confirm that in the event of any discrepancy between the equipment schedule shown on the drawings and the performance or material requirements described in the specifications, the specifications shall govern.

21A. For bidding purposes, the more restrictive requirement shall govern. Obtain clarification on individual discrepancies from VA before proceeding with work.

22Q. Reference: Sheet GI112 (Phasing Plan); Solicitation Section 01 11 00 (Summary of Work – if applicable).

Given the indicated requirement for weekend and night work, please confirm whether any premium time, facility access coordination, security requirements, badging, escort requirements, or temporary utility shutdown coordination should be included in the Contractor’s base bid.

22A. Yes, all should be included in base bid.

23Q. The Solicitation requires a minimum three (3) year warranty from both the manufacturer and installer including parts and labor, including normal, premium, and holiday hours, beginning at Substantial Completion (Ref: Solicitation Page 10, Section J – Warranty).

However, Specification Section 01 00 00 requires a standard one (1) year warranty of construction (Ref: Spec 01 00 00, 1.15 Warranty). Additionally, the specifications state the construction warranty period begins on the date of project acceptance (Ref: Spec 01 00 00).

To ensure all bidders are pricing the same requirement, please clarify:

23A (a-d).

a. What is the required warranty duration for:

Does the three (3) year warranty apply to:

b. What is the official commencement date of the warranty period:

d. If the one (1) year construction warranty differs from equipment warranties, please clearly define:

25Q. Tax Exemption Is this project exempt from sales tax? If so, will the VA provide a tax exemption certificate for material purchases?

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.

26Q. Submittal Platform Will the VA permit the use of Procore or an equivalent construction management software platform for submittals and project communications?

26A. The contracting office cannot use Procore or any third party platforms they are blocked on our side by the VA, therefore contracting must receive minutes, to meetings and submittals, via email.

27Q. Stored Material Payment Will payment applications be accepted for materials stored on-site or in a bonded off-site warehouse?

27A. Payment is issued after installation of materials.

28A. Economic Price Adjustment Clause Will the Government consider including an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause to address significant fluctuations in material pricing?

28A. No the clause will not be added.

29Q. Tariff-Based Price Escalation If tariffs are imposed on materials (e.g., steel, wood) after bid submission but before award, will the Government allow a price escalation even if the materials remain Buy American–compliant?

29A. This will be a firm-fixed price contract.

30Q. Contractor Badging / PIV Process Will the Government provide detailed requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the PIV process, including documentation, background checks, and estimated processing time.

30A. Contractor will not require PIV access for this project.

31Q. Notice to Proceed (NTP) How soon after contract award does the Government anticipate issuing the official Notice to Proceed?

31A. Undeterminable due to many factors, however we like to proceed and get the project started as soon as possible.

32Q. Bid Validity Duration Will the Government consider reducing the required bid validity period (e.g., to 60 days) to account for inflation and contractor pricing risk?

32A. No.

33Q. Project Duration Can the Government confirm the stated contract duration is accurate, considering phased access and execution requirements?

33A. Confirmed.

34Q. CPARS and PPQs Can we use CPARS instead of PPQs?

35Q. Previous PPQs If PPQs are required, can we use previously completed PPQs (from prior submissions or projects)?

35A. PPQ’s are not required.

36Q. SSHO, QCM, and Superintendent Roles (Triple Hatting) A. May one individual serve in dual or multiple roles (SSHO, QCM, Superintendent) if fully qualified?

36AA. Yes B. If not, may the Superintendent also serve as SSHO?

36BA. N/A

37Q. Alternate Coverage for SSHO/QCM Will the VA accept a designated alternate SSHO or QCM during off-hours/night shifts to satisfy continuous presence requirements?

37A. Yes

38Q. Temporary Facilities and Utilities A, Will the contractor be required to provide a site office/trailer, or will space within the facility be made available?

38AA. Contractor is to provide their own office/trailer space located inside the project laydown area.

B. Will the VA allow temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

38BA. Contractor can use temporary connections for job trailer.

39Q. Parking and Staging Will designated parking and staging areas be provided for contractor personnel and deliveries? Will the VA provide laydown space or containers, or must these be arranged off-site?

39A. The VA will provide laydown area.

40Q. Commissioning Agent Will the VA provide and hire the commissioning agent, or is the contractor responsible?

40A. Contractor is responsible

41Q. Testing and Laboratory Services Will the VA or the General Contractor be responsible for procuring and paying for testing and laboratory services?

41A. Contractor is responsible

42Q. Infection Control Measures (ICRA) What ICRA level is required for the project?

42A. ICRA level 4

43Q. Hazardous Materials A. Will the VA provide recent asbestos and lead survey reports?

43AA. VA will provide

B. If abatement is required, will the VA identify known ACM/LCM locations?

43BA. If abatement is required, VA will provide.

44Q. Fire Alarm and Security Coordination Does the VA have an existing fire alarm/security service provider? If so, please provide contact information for required coordination.

44A. VA will provide

45Q. Building Occupancy Will the facility remain occupied during construction, or will temporary relocation of staff/equipment be required?

45A. Facility will remain occupied.

46Q. Demolition & Phased Work Will demolition of major systems (e.g., AHUs, utilities) require after-hours or phased work to minimize disruption?

48A. Yes