S05. RFI 1-53 with Answers - 36C25821B0002 - Project 605-CSI-005 030821.docx

36C25821B0002 Project: 605-CSI-005 Loma Linda VAMC

RFI – 36C25821B0002

1. Neither the Specifications nor the Statement of Work mention any asbestos abatement, and a Hazardous Material Survey was not attached. Will the VA verify that no asbestos-containing materials will be encountered anywhere during this project? Will the VA also provide a current Hazardous Material Survey covering the areas of work for this project?

ANSWER: Currently the area within the scope of work has been previously abated. The VA cannot completely confirm that there is zero presence of asbestos in the area, but the facility can provide the latest asbestos report upon award which provides the most up to date areas of known asbestos in the region and abated areas in the construction boundaries. Upon award should the contactor locate any unforeseen asbestos the findings will be reported to the COR for a corrective action plan to proceed.

2. Specification Section 12 34 00 – Manufactured Plastic Casework, Part 2.3-C states “Components stain and rust-resistant capable of withstanding washing temperatures up to 85 degrees C (185 degrees F) without distortion or physical imperfections.” The cabinet specification calls out plastic laminate casework. Our manufactured cabinet supplier advised us that they are not aware of a P-Lam cabinet that can meet those temperature requirements. Will the VA clarify that they are requesting p-lam cabinets and not laboratory grade metal casework? If the VA clarifies that p-lam cabinets are required, will the VA waive the temperature requirements found in Section 12 34 00 – Manufactured Plastic Casework, Part 2.3-C?

ANSWER: The project was designed with and requires plastic laminate cabinets and not laboratory grade metal casework. The VA will waive Section 12 34 00 Manufactured Plastic Casework, Part 2.3-C as it no longer applies to the project.

3. If the VA is requiring p-lam cabinets, will the VA specify the color(s) selected as this can impact the price?

ANSWER: The colors for all of the finished materials shall be selected once the contract is awarded and the material submittals are made by the contractor.

4. If the Site Superintendent is duly qualified, will the Supt. be allowed to serve in joint roles as the SSHO and Contractor CQC, or will separate individuals be required for either of those roles?

ANSWER: If the site superintendent is dually qualified this will suffice.

5. Will the VA clarify if during acoustical ceiling removal, whether the fire sprinkler heads must be turned up when the ceiling is removed?

ANSWER: The sprinkler heads do not have to be modified in any manner during ceiling removal. It is good practice to however ensure that if any heavy dust or debris are going to be generated caps on the sprinkler heads may be used.

6. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.29 requires the provision of a “Construction Sign” to be erected at a location specified by the VA. Will this Construction Sign be a requirement for this project?

ANSWER: Construction signs are requested to be posted at the entrances to the job site while construction is occurring. This notifies all staff/visitors that an active site exists, and precautions should be taken upon entering the site. The facility conducts weekly construction safety rounds and these items are inspected.

7. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.30 requires the provision of a “Safety Sign” to be erected at a location specified by the VA. Will this Safety Sign be a requirement for this project?

ANSWER: A safety sign at the entrances of the site shall be used to identify active construction is occurring therefore any precautions must be taken to utilize appropriate PPE ie. Hardhats, vests, eye protection, and other required protective items upon entering the site. The facility conducts weekly construction safety rounds and these items are inspected.

8. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.31 requires the Contractor to hire a professional commercial photographer to document this project. Will this be a requirement for this project, or will in-house produced photographs be acceptable?

ANSWER: Progress of the construction can be documented via photographic evidence taken by an internal employee for the VA COR records and to report progress to the AE firm. Upon completion of the project all final photos will be taken by a professional photographer identified in accordance with the specs.

9. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.34 requires the Contractor to purchase access to VA Tririga CPMS for document management. Will the VA require this for this project, or will another compatible EDMS platform (used in the past at this facility) be acceptable? If the VA Tririga CPMS platform will be required, will the VA provide a sole source justification for this vendor?

ANSWER: Any compatible platform will suffice for the project. The proposed system can be shared with the VA once award occurs during the preconstruction phase.

10. Specification Section 01 45 00 – Quality Control, Part 3.4 – QC Organization, Sub Parts A & C require additional personnel who either graduate engineers or professionals with 5 years’ experience in a supervisory role. Since there is significant cost for these requirements, will the VA verify whether these additional personnel will be required for this project?

ANSWER: Per the specifications the requirement is listed and must be met in accordance with the project.

11. Specification Section 01 45 29 – Testing Laboratory Services, Part 1.1 states that the Testing Laboratory will be retained by the VA. Will the VA confirm that they will be hiring the Testing Lab and that this will not be a cost to the Contractor for this project?

ANSWER: All commissioning related items will be conducted as noted by the contract documents. Testing laboratory services are not relevant to this project. All equipment, materials, and items should however be in accordance with the governing body of that said item.

12. Specification Section 07 84 00 – Firestopping, Part 1.5-C requires the Contractor to hire a 3rd party Inspector, independent of the Contractor, who meets ASTM E699 for agencies involved in quality assurance and to have a minimum of two years’ experience in construction field inspections of firestopping systems. Will the VA confirm this will be a requirement for this project?

ANSWER: Per the specifications the requirement is listed and must be met in accordance with the project.

13. The provided Specifications for this project did not provide a Section for Schedule Of Finishes. The Finish Schedule on Drawing Sheet A600 does not provide colors or basis of design for ceramic tile, resinous & resilient flooring. Since there is a difference in cost for certain finishes, will the VA provide a full Schedule of Finishes specifying colors and manufacturer model number for the basis of design for these products?

ANSWER: The finishes for this project are listed on the finish schedule on Sheet A600. Note that the project does not contain any ceramic tile. The colors shall be selected from the submittals received from the contractor awarded the project. The colors shall be selected from the full line of colors offered for the products required for the project.

14. The electrical drawings do not appear to indicate where the communications closet is located for the LV work. Will the VA provide the location(s) for the communications closet(s) on the drawings to assist in determining the cable costs?

ANSWER: The VA shall provide the location of the current communications closet to be used in the project. The space is located adjacent to the site walked on the site visit.

15. Will the VA clarify whether the existing communications racks and cabinets will suffice or whether any new racks or cabinets will be required?

ANSWER: The VA shall clarify the capacity of the communications racks and cabinets.

16. On page 27 15 00 - 4 of the spec it calls out Cat6A (U/FTP) jacks and cable. These are unique components, and expensive, so can we get the VA to please confirm this is what they want?

ANSWER: This is confirmed.

17. On page 27 15 00 - 4 of the spec it calls out Cat6A (U/FTP) jacks and cable. These are unique components, and expensive, so can we get the VA to please confirm this is what they want?

ANSWER: These specs are what the VA standard guideline calls for yes.

18. DATA/VOICE JACK Lucent Technologies [YELLOW, IVORY, GRAY]. FCC CERTIFICATION PART 68. MODULAR 8-POS/ 8-COND IDC -JACK. TIA 568A STANDARD WIRING W/ WIC.

Are they saying that there is no substitution for the standard or the jack manufacturer?

ANSWER: No substitutions for the standard.

19. TERMINATE UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR CABLES ON RJ-45, 8-PIN MODULAR JACKS ON THE CLIENT END AND APPROVED PATCH PANELS. Can the VA please confirm if we are to supply U/UTP or U/FTP. There is a large difference in price.

ANSWER: In accordance with the VA cabling guidelines the usage of the type will be dependent on if existing or new conduit will be run. If new conduit will be run, then U/UTP will be requested should existing conduit be run then U/FTP will be sufficient.

20. Regarding the Self Performance Calculations (attached), are we required to list the subcontractors name, or can we only list the trade?

ANSWER: Subcontractor’s name will be provided on the Self Performance Calculations form.

21. There is already infection control barrier which is called for on drawings AD111 and A111 along the corridor adjacent to the construction area. Please clarify the existing barrier is to stay while this construction project is being performed.

ANSWER: This South barrier will not be in place and the adjacent hallway is being remodeled via another contract therefore the temporary barrier wall will be removed prior to the start of this project.

22. The construction area which was showed in the site visit on 2/24/2021 is different from the construction area in drawing A111 and other related demolition, structural, and MEP drawings.

Please clarify the construction area which is to affect the project work scope.

ANSWER: The construction area shown on Sheet A111 encompasses the work in the 5 main rooms of the project. To complete the project there is work clearly shown outside the 5 main rooms of the project, this includes but not limited to the Service Bay and Equipment Space to the West and the Emergency Department to the North and the Roof above the Emergency Department. The scope of work for this project is clearly identified in the construction documents.

23. The solicitation document SF 1442 page 1 says “ALL BIDS MUST include Atch 1 and Atch 2” while the bid contents of SECTION M does not call for the Atch 1 and Atch 2. And the Atch 2 is Wage Determination according to PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHEMENTS.

Please clarify the bid contents.

ANSWER: UPDATE PAGE 1 OF SF 1442 TO READ – ALL BIDS MUST include Attachment 1, SECTION B- Supplies or Services and Price/Costs – Schedule of Line Items, and other bid content requirements in Section M, page 59 of 62, number 9. BID CONTENTS.

24. The provided Specifications for this project did not provide a Section for Schedule Of Finishes. The Finish Schedule on Drawing Sheet A600 does not provide colors or basis of design for acoustical ceiling tiles. Since there is a difference in cost for certain finishes and products, will the VA provide a full Schedule of Finishes specifying colors and manufacturer model number for the basis of design for this product?

ANSWER: This will be provided upon award.

25. The 13 49 00 specifications call for a lead lined floor. This is not shown on the plans. Please verify if a lead lined floor is required.

ANSWER: Refer to Item 13 above.

26. Is the roof currently under warranty? If so, please provide the name of the roofing company and contact information.

ANSWER: The VA shall provide any available information on the existing roof warranty and contact information once the contract has been awarded.

27. Please provide specifications for Fire alarm system, nurse call system and public address systems.

ANSWER: These will be provided upon award.

28. Keynote 12 on A300 lists "See Q920-Q924 for patient lift rail" These drawings were not provided. Please provide drawings Q920-Q924.

ANSWER: Key note 12 on Sheet A300 to read: PATIENT LIFT TRAVERSE C RAIL , SEE SHEETS Q121 – Q125.

29. Please provide shielding report.

ANSWER: The VA shall provide the shielding report to the bidders

30. Please confirm the date and time bids are due. A different date was mentioned during the Industry Day call.

ANSWER: SEE AMENDMENT 0001

31. Is the existing pipe ready to connect a new CAV pipe or is a new CAV pipe to be connected by hot tapping?

ANSWER: Hot taps are discouraged, and utility shutdowns will need to be coordinated with the COR and medical staff for minimal disruption to patient care.

32. Who are the current maintenance contractors and what is their contact information?

· DDC

· Fire Alarm

ANSWER: DDC is Andover/Snyder electric, overseeing service contractor is Emcor Services. Fire alarm system is overseen by Apple Valley.

33. Specification Section 27 15 00, Part 2.1-B-3 specifies U/FTP Cat 6A cable. Will the VA confirm this is a requirement for this project? Many other VA facilities specify the less expensive U/UTP Cat 6A cable.

ANSWER: This is confirmed.

34. Specification Section 27 15 00, Page 31, Attachment 4 requires “DATA/VOICE JACK Lucent Technologies”. Will the VA confirm that this jack must be a sole source product from Lucent Technologies?

ANSWER: The VA will confirm that this has been requested for the facility, a similar or substitute with the same standards will be acceptable.

35. The structural specification requires fabrication to be done in an AISC Certified fabrication shop. We are requesting that the AISC certification requirement be waived if a Los Angeles City Certification can be substituted instead? Or can this AISC certification be waived if a third party monitoring agency performs inspection of the fabrication plant during the steel fabrication and erection process?

ANSWER: This will suffice.

36. At the site walk it appeared the project site had been demolished. Please confirm the demolition for the project has been completed.

ANSWER: Demo and shelling out will be complete prior to this project being initiated.

37. Is enhanced commissioning required for this project?

ANSWER: Commissioning is required for proper mechanical and plumbing systems to include electrical as well.

38. Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

ANSWER: Emcor Services. Irvine CA.

39. Will the owner be purchasing and installing the FF & E and SIEMENS equipment?

ANSWER: The equipment has been coordinated with the internal radiology equipment and the contractor must coordinate with the Siemens team to allocate installation.

40. Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.3 states:

ANSWER: In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager for the following areas: electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician, Cx Agent/LEED Specialist. These individuals or specialized technical companies are employees of the prime or subcontractor; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the experience matrix listed herein.

41. Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on-site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager? Consequently, adding $millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project.

ANSWER: The intent is to ensure all personnel actively involved with the job have the necessary qualifications for the associated fields of expertise. The intent is to ensure qualified personnel are on the job not necessarily for the entire project duration.

42. Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.2 states:

ANSWER: The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 5 years construction experience on construction similar to this Contract.

Does this statement require simply a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree such as a master's or a PhD.

ANSWER: The person can hold any degree which is in accordance with the listed experience levels.

43 . Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting.

ANSWER: SEE AMENDMENT 0001

44. Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction.

ANSWER: Normal business hours between 0600-1430 preferred.

45. Are there any noise restrictions during the day?

ANSWER: There are not any noise restrictions for the daytime hours. The adjacent emergency department is open 24/7 therefore it will be good practice for the contractor to notify the COR of any significant noise pollution which can be relayed to the staff in the nearby area.

46. Please confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

ANSWER: SEE AMENDMENT 0001

47. Specification section 23 08 00-1.6 Submittals says to refer to section 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements, but that section is not included in the specifications. Is the commissioning agent to be provided by the prime contractor?

ANSWER: Yes, the commissioning agent will need to be provided by the contractor.

48. Will the VA allow the photographic documentation (section 01 00 00 -1.31) to be performed by the prime contractor’s on-site field personnel in lieu of hiring a subcontractor to perform this task?

ANSWER: Progress of the construction can be documented via photographic evidence taken by an internal employee for the VA COR records and to report progress to the AE firm. Upon completion of the project all final photos will be taken by a professional photographer identified in accordance with the specs.

49. Will the VA allow one person to perform the combined duties of superintendent, SSHO, and QC for this contract?

ANSWER: Yes this is perfectly fine.

50. What is the construction of the interstitial floor (note 18 on A-300, and 6/S-301)?

ANSWER: 4” gypsum with wire mesh.

51. Per specification section 01 45 00, if qualified can the Superintendent perform the duties of the onsite SSHO and QCM or will three separate individuals be required to be onsite the entire duration of the project?

ANSWER: If a person possesses all of these credentials, he or she can be present for the duration of the project.

52. What vendor is responsible for the Fire Alarm panel at VA Loma Linda Building 2?

ANSWER: Apple Valley communications.

53. What vendor is responsible for the DDC’s at VA Loma Linda Building 2?

ANSWER: Emcor Services.