RFIs 36C25820B0003 EMERGENCY BUS AND SWITCHGEAR MODIFICATIONS 5 Aug 2020.docx
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- Solicitation number
- 36C25820B0003
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This document contains a post award notice and related questions and answers for an invitation for bids for emergency bus and switchgear modifications at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. The project involves general construction and electrical work including installation of switchgear, switchboards, an automatic transfer switch, protective relays, metering equipment, conduits, wiring and start-up and commissioning. The period of performance is 360 days from notice to proceed with an estimated start date of October 30, 2020 and end date of October 25, 2021. The solicitation number is 36C25820B0003. Questions and answers were provided related to NAICS codes, geotechnical reports, equipment specifications, licensing requirements, the bid due date, and whether this project was a new effort or involved a previous contractor.
The document provides details on a federal construction project for electrical infrastructure upgrades at a VA medical center, including periods of performance and licensing requirements. Additional context is given through questions and answers covering topics such as NAICS codes, subsurface conditions, equipment specifications and incumbent contractors.
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IFB/Solicitation # 36C25820B0003
EMERGENCY BUS AND SWITCHGEAR MODIFICATIONS
Project # 664-16-301
RFIs – Questions (Q) & Answers (A)
Q1: On the beta.sam.gov website the pre-solicitation for this project was classified with the NAICS Code of 236220 which is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. When the solicitation was issued on 4/14/2020, the project was posted with the NAICS Code of 238210 Electrical Contractors and other Wiring Installation Contractors, Size Standard $16.5M. This project is relatively large with an Order of Magnitude of $5M-$10M and will require intense coordination and scheduling with the VA San Diego. The project scope of work will require the establishment of infection control measures, architectural demolition, saw cutting, core drilling, asphalt removal, concrete removal, repairs to finishes such as gypsum board, painting, floor repair, louvers, new door, frame & hardware installation, concrete work, asphalt, landscaping and fencing. None of these activities are performed by electrical specialty contractors. These activities are generally performed and/or managed by general contractors under NAICS Code of 236220. Will the VA consider changing the NAICS Code back to 236220 as it was originally listed on beta.sam.gov? This will allow for greater competition for this important and difficult project, and likely a better value to the Government?
A1: Yes, the NAICS is changed to 236220 as previously posted in Pre-Solicitation Notice.
Q2: Specification Section 31 20 00, Page 599, 3.2.A.4 It reads as follows "The Contractor is required to hire a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to provide inspection of excavations and soil/groundwater conditions throughout construction. The Geotechnical Engineer shall be responsible for performing pre-construction and periodic site visits throughout construction to assess site conditions. The Geotechnical Engineer shall update the excavation, sheeting and dewatering plans as construction progresses to reflect changing conditions and shall submit an updated plan if necessary. A written report shall be submitted, at least monthly, informing the Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative of the status of the plan and an accounting of the Contractor's adherence to the plan addressing any present or potential problems. The Geotechnical Engineer shall be available to meet with the Contracting Officer’s Representative at any time throughout the contract duration." Will the VA confirm this clause will be applicable to this project and if so, will the VA provide the requisite Geotechnical Report for this project in order to facilitate the Geotechnical Engineering work for this requirement?
A2: Yes, this specification is applicable. Attached are geotechnical surveys that have been conducted in the past for other projects on site. Unfortunately, we do not have a survey specifically for this project. See 4 attachments to Amendment 0002.
Q3: 800A Circuit Breaker for existing SWBD D, reference Note 8 on drawing E-602. Manufacturer of the existing SWBD D? Is it Square D? I-Line, Direct Replacement, Retro fill?
A3: The panel is manufactured by Zinsco and will be a retrofit.
Q4: Are there requirements for a A or B license, or are you just taking electrical licenses?
A4: This project requires that the prime or prime’s electrical subcontractor must possess an active California class C-10 license to meet specification 1.15(B). If your firm is awarded the contract, the C-10 license must remain active for the duration of the award.
Q5: We are planning to bid as a subcontractor for the Emergency Bus and Switchgear Modifications, San Diego VA Healthcare System. I don’t see a bidder’s List of which GC’s are bidding. I may have overlooked but would you please be able to direct me where to obtain or provide me a bidder’s list?
A5: Sign-in sheets from the Pre-Bid Site Walks will be uploaded to Contract Opportunities with Amendment 0003 on Wednesday 29 Jul 2020. If you have already created an account on Contract Opportunities, you can also access the Interested Vendors Lists. There are two; one list accessible on the Pre-Solicitation Notice and another Interested Vendors List on the IFB / Solicitation.
Q6: This Pre-Bid request is in regard to the proposed 360 day performance period.
The proposed performance period of 360 is not reasonable considering the complexity of the subject project for the following reasons:
| • | The electrical equipment for this project is all custom or made to order equipment. Some of the equipment must is going to be installed in very old equipment whose manufacturers are out of business. The procurement and engineering of the replacement equipment will take a substantial period of time. This period of time will be approximately 180 days when you factor in purchase order issuance, field investigation, engineering/submittal preparation, submittal review time, fabrication and delivery. |
| • | The unpredictable nature of the supply chain given the COVID-19 outbreak has added time to most equipment orders of this type. |
| • | This project effects the hospital wide critical electrical systems and requires a significant number of power outages with a potential for serious operational disruptions. As such, these outage must be highly planned and requires the VA to plan outages which I know form firsthand experience in San Diego can take months to execute because of the operational needs the Medical Center. |
| • | This is a highly technical project which requires thoughtful execution. This is not the type of project that is conducive to a high rate of production. This is more of a marathon rather than a sprint to the finish line. |
| • | An unreasonably short period performance will only lead to unnecessary conflict on the project site and will lead to strained relations between all parties. |
Therefore, we propose a 684 day period of performance.
A6: The Government has re-visited the 360 day period of performance, and has determined 360 days is an accurate assessment of the timeframe required to complete the project.
Q7: The bid date is currently shown for September 7th. Please confirm you need to have the bids submitted on Labor Day. If not, then please move bid. Bid days and times in the construction industry are Tuesday through Thursday 1 pm to 5 pm. The reasons are long and varied as to why those are the bid day and times, but it is part of the industry and not just one company’s policy.
A7: Revised bid due date is Sep 8, 2020, 2:00 pm Pacific Time. See Amendment 0005.
Q8: I was reviewing the IFB for Emergency Bus and Switchgear Modifications, Project 664-16-301, San Diego VA Healthcare System. I was hoping you might be able to inform me if this is a new effort or if there was a previous contractor that performed these requirements?
A8: This is a new effort.
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