RFIs with Responses 36C25726R0048.docx

RFIs for Solicitation, 36C25726R0048 Replace Windows Building 2J

1. Section 08 63 00 lists Acurlite Structural Skylights as the basis of design. Please confirm whether the Apollo Industries Helios Series Skylight System is acceptable as a specified equal. Supporting product data and test documentation demonstrating compliance with the Contract Documents are included in the attached submittal. Use of the proposed system will not affect the construction schedule, require modifications to the project design, or impact coordination with other trades.

Response: No attached Helios submittal with RFI (skylight substitution).

2. (AE602, AE603) Windows details 16 and 17 show differing heights at elevations. We assumed consistent heights for all Window Type 16 and all Window Type 17 as per schedule. Please confirm if this assumption is correct?

Response:

AE602 - Window Detail 16 (Window Type 13) vert. dim. 7'-6 1/2" / Window Detail 17 (Window Type 14) vert. Dim. 7'-4"

AE603 - Window Details 16 and 17 (Type 32 and 33) vert. Dim. 7'-4" for both

Window Type 13 shown on AE201, New North Elevation 1 and AE212 Building Elevation 1 - no vertical dimension, no consistency between windowsill and floor elevation.

Window Type 14 shown on shown on AE210, East Elevation 1 - no vertical dimension, also no consistency between windowsill and floor elevation.

Note that all openings are to be field verified prior to order.

3. (AE102) Due to the location of the ribbon windows, is it acceptable to use an alternative outside-glazed system in lieu of the specified inside-glazed (IG)?

Response: Outside installation is acceptable.

4. (Spec Page 084413-9) Specification Sections 084113 & 088000 reference windborne debris, missile, and human impact requirements. Please confirm the applicable locations and the required performance levels for impact resistance and windborne debris for both glazing and aluminum framing systems (storefront & curtain wall)?

Response: Per most recent PSRDM report from Force Protect:

4.1 Glass - All new exterior glazing, including door glazing, must be laminated glass. My understanding is that if the window system can resistant blast pressures & projectiles, this also meets windborne debris, missle, and human impact requirements.

Force Protect:

Per PSRDM Table 2-1, Item 15, only PSRDM Sections 6.3.1.1 Glass and 6.3.1.2 Glazing apply to these window replacements. “Window replacement upgrades and “storm-window” upgrades interior to existing facade must incorporate laminated glass; for insulated glazing units (IGUs) the laminated glass is required only for the inner lite. Glazing must be restrained in the mullions with a minimum ½ bite and a minimum 3/8” wide continuous bead of structural silicone adhesive attaching the inner lite of glass to the frame.” As this project is not replacing the facade, PSRDM Chapter 6 blast resistance is not required.

5. (GI0041, AE207) Please confirm whether the sliding glass door located in Phase 8 is included in the scope of work.

Response: The sliding glass doors located in phase 8 between gridlines 6&7 are included in the scope of work.

6. GI0043, AE212) Please confirm whether the entry doors located in Phase 20 are included in the scope of work.

Response: The entrance doors located in phase 20 are included in the scope of work.

7. (AE208-AE2010, AE602-AE604, AE605) Specification Section 085113 specifies Kawneer Glassvent UT; however, this does not appear to align with the elevations and window schedule. Please confirm if Glassvent UT is required as details 15/AE605 - 17/AE605 reference operable vents, but they are not indicated in the window schedule.

Response: We can substitute for the Glass vent UT with NXB3800 (by Kawneer). Frame depth 4", UT 4-3/8". Confirmed with Kawneer that this system is compatible with both storefront and curtainwall framing dimensions.

8. Please confirm availability to coordinate a job site visit with full roof access to evaluate roof conditions, verify structural support for swing stage access, and confirm safety tieback locations. This review is required as the contract documents do not provide sufficient information to validate roof capacity or anchorage requirements.

Response: Two site visits have been coordinated with the Dallas VA. No other site visits will be coordinated.

9. (G1004) Please confirm that installing hardwall temporary barrier at the ground level and running plastic to the ceiling is an acceptable method to achieve ICRA level IV for the atrium skylight scope.

Response: Follow the infection controls requirements provided in Section 01 35 26 of the specifications.

10. Please confirm that installing a suspended sealed ceiling cover with anchored safety netting as an acceptable method to achieve ICRA level IV for the atrium skylight scope.

Response: The contractor will need to submit a comprehensive project safety plan for the VA to review and approve.

11. Solicitation indicates Attachment 4 is pricing form. Please provide Attachment 4.

Response: Uploaded to www.sam.gov under solicitation 36C25726R0048.

12. Solicitation indicates post-award conference / meeting shall be held to include VA stakeholders and contractor team. Please confirm whether meeting to be onsite or virtual, and who are mandatory attendees.

Response: Virtual Meeting on Teams

13. Site visit discussion included reference to condition of existing walls, wall finishes, sills, and wood trim. Construction documents indicate repairs but do not quantify for any above listed items. Clarification is requested to establish firm fixed price proposals.

Response: The contractor is only responsible for repairs caused during window installations. The contractor is not responsible for pre-existing damage to the walls.

14. Please confirm access to work areas in pharmacy, atrium and other restricted areas; how long can contractors work in each area and what are access requirements for each area? VA safety specifications do not allow crane lifts or overhead work in occupied areas.

Response: Contractors to coordinate with VA during construction.

15. Solicitation notes replacement of "all windows" in Building 2J. "All windows" in Building 2J are not included in the drawings and specifications. All areas of Building 2J were not observed during the pre-proposal site visit. Is project scope limited to drawings and specifications?

Response: Yes, project scope is limited to drawings and specifications.

16. Solicitation section 1.7 indicates contractor is responsible for moving all furniture and equipment from work areas. Does this include medical equipment and all VA property in the work areas?

Response: Yes, it includes medical equipment and all VA property in the work areas. Please note that it will need to be coordinated with the VA.

17. Solicitation section 4.3 indicates "blast resistant" materials as well as UFC 4-010-01 compliance required. Please clarify VA intent as full compliance (vehicle standoff distances, lateral force / wall assembly upgrades, etc.) do not appear to be in scope of this project.

Force Protect:

Vehicle standoff distances, lateral force / wall assembly upgrades are indeed not included in SOW. Blast resistance for windows is prescribed in PSRDM Section 6.3. However, PSRDM Chapter 6 blast requirements are not applicable to this project per PSRDM Table 2-1, Item 15 and PSRDM Section 6.3.2 without a complete façade replacement. Standalone window replacement projects need only comply with PSRDM Sections 6.3.1.1 Glass and 6.3.1.2 Glazing.

18. Please provide current copy of roof warranty and roof inspection reports.

Response: Currently, the Dallas VA does not have any roof inspection reports available.

19. VA or contractor responsible for special inspections listed in construction documents?

Response: GC will be responsible for special inspections.

20. Any personnel medical screen / vaccination / background information necessary prior to accessing jobsite other than TB screen noted per 1.3?

Response: No, all that was put in during COVID – 19.

21. There is no division 26 specification section. Please clarify scope of lightning protection work.

Response:

Lightning protection conductors and air terminals, where present on atrium skylights, shall be temporarily removed during skylight replacement and reinstalled as existing once new skylight is installed.

Response: Available lighting protection report included.

22. Please provide current copy of lightning protection certification / inspection reports.

Response: Attached

23. Will VA consider projects completed in the last 8 years for technical requirements?

Response: the criteria and procedures outlined in the solicitation document will be followed.

24. Will VA consider 2M+ size projects instead of 5M size projects for technical?

Response: the criteria and procedures outlined in the solicitation document will be followed.

25. Will VA consider for the technical, accepting a project in a fully occupied Federal courthouse to be VERY RELEVANT, if it included substantial repair to exterior windows that required interior/exterior hazmat abatement, restoration of windows in place, replacement of glazing, full containment of each window during construction, and phasing plans to work around multiple tenant agencies and court schedules?

Response: The technical rating for this requirement is based on the Experience Modification Rate (EMR) Factor. If the inquiry pertains to the past performance rating, the criteria and procedures outlined in the solicitation document will be followed.

26. Please provide site visit sign in sheet.

Response: Site Visit Sign-in Sheets posted to www.sam.gov, under solicitation 36C25726R0048.

27. Please confirm this section is required (1.9C) Response:

1.9.C of General Requirements: NPDES (pollutant discharge) permit not required (no sitework or dirt moving).

28. Please confirm that a 4 month & 9 Month Warranty inspection is required (1.1A).

Response: Yes

29. Please confirm that payment & Performance bonds are required to remain in effect until completion of project and not warranty period (1.1B).

Response: Yes.

30. Please confirm the electrical rates to be charged to contractor (1.15A).

Response: Power will be provided by the VA at no additional cost.

31. Please confirm this section is required (1.15B).

Response: Not required.

32. Please confirm this section is required (1.15E).

Response: Not required

33. Please confirm this section is applicable. If so, please provide Division 23 specs (1.16A-E).

Response. Not applicable

34. Please confirm hard copies required (1.17A&B).

Response: Yes

35. Please provide list of any specific testing required (1.9).

Response: Field testing of windows - AAMA 502.

36. Please confirm that all workers must have OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 for all designated Competent Persons (1.14B4F).

Response: Yes, OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 are required.

37. Can the superintendent perform the SSHO duties in conjunction with Supervision (1.7A)?

Superintendent can be both Super and SSHO, or Super and QC Manager, but can't be all three.

38. States Class 3&4 ICRA with dust only hazard can be set up with plastic. During the site visit it was stated that all ICRA would be drywall. Please confirm which (1.12C2A).

Response: Follow the infection controls requirements provided in Section 01 35 26 of the specifications.

39. Please confirm that all workers onsite must have tuberculosis screening with negative results (1.13A).

Response: Yes, please refer to the TB screening section.

40. This section states this CQC is for Design-Bid-Build & Design-Build. Is this section to be used on this project as well (1.1)?

Response: QC spec for design-bid-build.

41. Is the section required on this contract (3.4D)?

Response: Yes

42. Are there any known hazardous materials that will be encountered in this project?

Response: There are no known hazardous materials that will be encountered in this project.

43. Is hospital furniture to be moved by contractor or will VA personnel be responsible for it. If contractor is required to move furniture, can it be stored in corridor?

Response: Refer to question 16.

44. Will ICRA be allowed to set up all areas of each phase at one time?

Response: Yes, reference to the phasing plan and coordination with VA personnel during construction will be required.

45. Will ICRA be allowed to begin setting up the next sequential phase while finishing up the phase before?

Response: Yes

46. Are there any demobilizations anticipated during the course of construction?

Response; No

47. Will lightning protection need to be recertified if moved?

Response: Lightning protection system shall be reinstalled to match existing layout and will not require recertification.

48. How far will lay down area be from the building?

Response: Coordinate with VA personnel. About 150 yards

49. Will VA provide Field Supervisor office or will trailer need to be included in lay down area?

Response: Project trailer needs to be included.

50. Note says contractor to patch repair and match existing condition of all exterior elements- Please confirm this is only in case of damage during window replacement or should an allowance be included for equity on estimating?

Response: GC responsible for needed repairs during installation and should provide as part of their bid.

51. Will certified payrolls be required weekly, or monthly?

Response: Will be required when submitting pay applications

52. Will daily reports be required daily, weekly or monthly?

Response: Daily.

53. Will any covid protocols be in effect for this project? If so, please clarify.

Response: No. as that was put in during COVId-19.

54. How long will the security background checks and badging process take?

Response: 6-9 months or even longer

55. Will monthly pay apps be on standard AIA forms?

Response: Yes, once a month on VA form 10-6001a or AIA G702 & G703 forms acceptable, ref. 01 32 16.15, 1.8.A.

56. Will safety reports be required monthly or weekly?

Response: Safety reports like safety plans, crane plans, AHAs will be required as needed during construction.

57. Who will approve AHA's?

Response: VA construction safety personnel.

58. On the engineered shop drawings will Texas Stamped engineered be required or can engineer be registered from a different state?

Response: Shops must be stamped by professional engineers in State of Texas.

59. In the dialysis area 3A-235 will that be able to be completed all at once or will it be required to be sectioned off?

Response: Please refer to the phasing plan provided in the drawings. Phasing plan needs to be coordinated with the VA.

60. Will all the negative air flow be required to be exhausted outside or into return air?

Response: Outside. Please refer to the infection control specifications.

61. Do the new windows need to be blast resistant? Specification section 08 56 53 is noted as TBD.

Response:

Per the blast engineer (Force Protect) the windows need to be laminated glass.

62. Sheet GI001 “Safety & Security Design” façade fenestration item #1 references blast resistant products, but there is not blast resistant window specifications included in the bid documents. Please confirm if the replacement windows and curtain wall need to be blast rated. If so, please provide specifications.

Response:

Per the blast engineer (Force Protect) windows need to be laminated glass. The aluminum frames do not need to be blast rated – standard aluminum frames are acceptable. The only requirement is for the glass to set ½” into (‘bite’) the aluminum frames with 3/8” wide, continuous bead of structural silicone adhesive.

Will provide specs in Addendum 01.

63. Is there a basis of design for the security screen mesh?

Response:

Will provide BOD in Addendum 01

64. Sheet AE602_Glazing Notes (Install General Notes) references sheet AE-501 for frame install details, but there is no sheet AE-501 in the drawings. Please provide sheet AE-501.

Response:

Will provide update in Addendum 01

65. AE102: What does the double asterisk mean for openings #5 & #6? Does the asterisk mean security mesh, or does it mean something else that we need to take into consideration?

Response:

Will provide update in Addendum 01

66. AE109: What does the asterisk mean on some openings #39? The asterisks are also on elevation 1/AE203.

Response:

Will provide update in Addendum 01

67. Glazing specifications 088000_3.8_A depicts the insulated glass indoor light as Fully Tempered, but sheet AE602 Glazing Notes depicts the typical glazing type as Double-Glazed Laminated Glass. Please

Response:

Will provide update in Addendum 01 Per 4 responses above, Force Protect indicated that for insulated glazing the exterior lite may be tempered, but that the interior lite must be laminated.

Force Protect: For insulated glazing units, laminated glass is only required for the inner lite (PSRDM Section 6.3.1.1). The exterior lite may be tempered.

68. 1) Amendment 0002 changed the NAICS code from 238150 to 236220. However, VAAR 852.219-75 is included in the RFP and indicates ‘X Special trade construction contractors’ is applicable requiring the contractor to not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the Government to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. It should also be noted that the bottom of RFP Page 22 also indicates this.

Response: An amendment has been posted to www.sam.gov to correct the 852.219-75.

69. Reference RFP Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, A.5: Item 4 indicates that a table of contents or a glossary of terms or abbreviations will not be included in the page count. Please confirm that a cover page will also not count against the listed page limitations.

Response: The cover page will not count, however ensure that the cover page does not exceed two pages.

70. Reference RFP Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, A.5: Item 4 indicates that offerors should also provide a “sanitized” copy of Volume II. Please clarify what is meant by a “sanitized” copy.

Response: Sanitized refers to a redacted copy.

71. Reference RFP Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, A.5: Item 4 includes a table that indicates the file name for Volume III should be “Price.docx”. As offerors are required to include specific information in the header and/or footer of each volume, please confirm Volume III may be submitted in PDF format.

Response: The price offer schedule should be in PDF and the worksheet should be in Excel.

72. Under Instruction to Offerors, on RFP Page 17 it indicates that Volume III is to include a price breakdown using the attached price breakdown worksheet (Attachment 4). We do not find this attachment included with the documents. Please advise.

Response: Please refer to www.sam.gov attachments list for the excel document. An amendment will be forthcoming.

73. Block 10 on the SF1442 indicates this is a SDVOSB set-aside. However, FAR 52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE is included in full text in the RFP. Please confirm that 52.219-6 is not applicable to this procurement.

Response: FAR 52.219-6 is not applicable to this requirement.

74. Phasing - For each section of the hospital (ICU, Radiology, Pharmacy, etc).

Response: Reference all ‘General’ (GIxxx) sheets. Please refer to phasing plan included in the drawings and specifications Phasing will need to be coordinated with the VA.

75. Contents - Where would they be moved to temporarily while each section is under containment Response: The VA facility planner will provide storage and will need to be coordinated with the VA.

76.- The ribbon windows and curtain wall basis of design products (Kawneer 1600UT & 2250 IG) employ 1” thick glass. The architect RFI responses in amendment No. 5 noted that the glass needs to be insulated laminated. The glass manufacturer just informed me that they cannot manufacture the large pieces of glass for this project with glass less than 1 3/16” and 1 5/16” thick, which means that either the layout needs to change to reduce the glass sizes, or a different system needs to be employed.

Response: We can change the storefront to YKK YHS 50 FI and the curtainwall to either YKK YHC 300 IG or Kawneer 1630 SS IR which will accommodate a 1-5/16” glass; however, these frames are for a blast-resistant application. Manko 3527i is a unit window that will accept the larger insulated glass.

77.- The glazing types indicate that a majority of the project utilizes 1 inch double glazed laminated glass. For areas located beyond the first floor and inaccessible from grade, please confirm if non laminated insulated glass type IG01 would be acceptable, as the laminated configuration may not provide additional performance benefit in those locations.

Response:

Per PSRDM requirements, all insulated glazing to include laminated interior lite, tempered exterior lite 78.- The type of security screen product to be provided has not been clearly identified, nor have attachment details to the replacement glazing system been shown. The existing screens appear to be a standalone operable product with independent support, so please clarify the specified screen system and how it is intended to attach to or interface with the new glazing or curtainwall construction.

Response:

Glazing notes on elevation pages state the following: “Existing exterior security features in place, if removal is needed, prior to them being removed, new security measures need to be in place and approved by VA, then original security features need to be put back in place and approved by VA.” This note indicates existing security screen can be removed and re-installed, provided that temporary security measures while screens are removed are approved by the VA 79.- The existing stainless steel security mesh screens at the pharmacy area appear to be independently supported and not attached to the exterior glazing system. Please confirm the existing screens may remain as is and be excluded from the glazing scope, as they appear sufficient to meet the project security requirements, or advise if additional criteria or modifications are required.

Response: See RFI Response #78 above.

80.- If so, can you please provide a detail on how this will be attached?

Response: See RFI Response #78 above.

81.- Please confirm whether the metal panel inserts shown between curtainwall conditions are to be included within the replacement elevations. If so, additional information is requested including section details, performance requirements, and overall design intent. Clarification is also requested regarding flashing continuity, drainage strategy, and insulation and connection details to the adjacent curtainwall to ensure proper thermal and solar performance and to coordinate impacts to phasing and schedule.

Response:

Internal Note: Existing information regarding these panel inserts was not provided. Performance requirements must be coordinated with the frame manufacturer post existing condition examination and prior to installation.

Response: Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB).

82.- Please confirm whether material price escalation is to be carried as part of the pricing.

Response: This is a firm fixed price contract. As such, material price escalations are not to be carried as part of the pricing. The contractor is responsible for managing any price fluctuations within the agreed-upon contract price.

83.- Specification section 084413 14 section 2.5 calls for medium bronze anodized aluminum, while glazing notes on drawing AE602 state all frames to be bronze anodized. Please clarify the intended finish. For reference, medium bronze anodizing is a custom finish and is not typically stocked by suppliers.

Response: The intent is to match the existing frame color. Please refer to Drawing AE602.

84.- Wall construction is shown as precast on the drawings. Please confirm this condition is correct.

Response: The majority is precast, but there are a few sections with brick.

85.-Please provide structural drawings for review. Additional information is requested regarding wind load criteria applicable to the curtainwall and glazing systems.

Response: Provided.

86.- Safety and security notes on drawing GI001 under facade fenestration indicate the system and glazing are to be blast resistant. Please clarify the required performance criteria and applicable standards, as the systems currently shown and specified do not appear to have documented testing to those requirements. Direction is requested on which performance criteria govern.

Response: Please refer to question 17.

87.- The interlayer type for IL01 is not identified, only the thickness. Please provide the specified interlayer material.

Spur Response: Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) 88.- Certain existing curtainwall spans present challenges for temporary protection. Please confirm whether these areas may be proposed as selective replacement of glazing, pressure plates, and face caps only, in lieu of full system replacement.

Response: The contractor is required to follow the plans and specifications provided by the Architect/Engineer (AE).

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