RFIs 1-60 13 Jul 2021 Amendment 0003.docx

RFIs Project # 664-CSI-115 IFB/Solicitation # 36C25821B0012 4W Nuclear Medicine PET CT 2, San Diego VA

1) Drawing Sheet GI-002, the Drawings List does not represent the Drawings that have been issued with the Solicitation. The following Drawings are missing: FP-001, FP-204, EP-001, EP-002, EP-003, EP-004, EP-005, EP-100, EP-107, EP-300, EP-301, EP-601, and All Siemens “QH” Reference Drawings that are listed. The following Drawings were issued with the Solicitation but not listed on the Drawings List: PL-102.2, E-001, E-002, E-003, E-004, E-005, E-006, E-007, E-100, ED-100, EL-101, EL-102, EL-103, EL-104, EL-201, EL-203, EY-101, EY-201, EY-202. To ensure bid accuracy, will the VA issue all missing Drawings and re-issue a Revised Drawings List representing all Drawings that belong in this plan set?

Answer: Missing drawings uploaded via Amendment 0001. The DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural and fire protection drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020.

2) Statement of Work, Part B.2 lists an Add Alternate 1 and a Deduct Alternate 1. IFB, Part B.1 – Price Schedule lists only a lump sum Grand Total for the entire project. If the Alternates are required for this solicitation, will the VA issue a REVISED Price Schedule with the CLINs and descriptions for the Alternates?

Answer: An amendment will be was issued. Add Alternate No. 1 will be is a part of the project, and will be is now included in Line Item 0001. Deduct Alternate No. 1 is deleted from the requirement. An amendment will be was posted to correct the Line Item 0001 to include Add Alternate No. 1 into the lump sum Grand Total for the entire project.

3) The Architectural, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Drawings originally issued with this solicitation were dated 12/04/20 and designated as “Final”. We are very confused since the Drawing sets issued in Amendment 0001 are dated 10/01/20 and are not designated as “Final”. Will the VA clarify if the earlier drawings dated 10/01/20 and issued in Amendment 0001 are the actual Drawings to use for this solicitation offer and that they will supersede the Drawings that were originally issued in the solicitation dated 12/04/20 and designated as “Final”?

Answer: The DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural and fire protections drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020.

4) Plumbing drawings make several references to piping “Above Ceiling” and “below floor”. Please confirm that all DWV piping shown on drawings PL-101 & PL-102 is actually in the 3rd floor interstitial space.

Answer: Yes, piping will be in 3rd floor interstitial space.

5) Please confirm that all Water Piping shown on drawings PL-101 & PL-102 is actually in the 4th floor interstitial space.

Answer: Confirmed, 4th floor interstitial space.

6) Please confirm that all new medical gas piping shown on drawings PL-102 & PL-102.1 shall be run in the 4th floor interstitial space.

Answer: Confirmed, medical gas piping shall run in the 4th floor interstitial space.

7) Interstitial space in this building is known to be hazardous space due to friable asbestos in the spray-on fire proofing and in the piping insulation. Please confirm that all asbestos abatement is complete on both the 3rd & 4th floor interstitial spaces.

Answer: Abatement is limited to the project scope of work occurring within the 3rd and 4th Floor interstitial spaces, and is not complete. Refer to sheet HA-001.1 for 4th Floor. See detail 3/MH103 for extent of new piping in 3rd Floor interstitial space.

8) Plumbing drawing PL-301, Note 1 is calling out a RO WATER FILTER UNIT CULLIGAN MATRIX GI SERIES system. I am assuming they mean G1 series.

Answer: This is an RO unit (Reverse Osmosis). GI is the model series of unit.

9) More information is needed for the correct model number of the Culligan reverse osmosis system. Attached a brochure for the G1 series. Please select one. Culligan sais there is almost $5,000 difference between the first one and the last one.

Answer: The unit shall be GI-4L rated at 1.53 gpm.

10) Drawing AE-60, Door Schedule, Doors 4503.1 & 4505.1 Hardware notes state “Hands Free Door Operator. Will the VA clarify if this intent is for a motion detector, a touchless actuator, or both?

Answer: The basis of design for automatic door operator noted in specification section 08 71 13 is ASSA ABLOY Securitron WSS Wave Sense Switch. This product, or equal, is to be installed at the noted doors.

11) There is some confusion about the plans issued with Amendment 1. They are dated earlier (October 2020) than the plans sent with the original solicitation (December 2020) which doesn’t make sense. Please verify the correct plans for bidding and provide an accurate list of drawings. As is, there will be major discrepancies in bidding.

Answer: The December 4, 2020 set of plans is the final, and the set they should use for bidding on this contract.

12) Is the 4th floor interstitial area clean or will 8 hour asbestos certification with respirator and bunny suit be required to access the interstitial area?

Answer: All the Interstitial space has asbestos containing material and appropriate certificates and fit test are required to work in the area, along with appropriate PPE

13) Drawing ED101 shows a cable tray to be removed – Is that in the interstitial space that needs asbestos certification to enter the area?

Answer: There is no ED101 sheet. We note drawings E-006 and EP-102 identify an existing cable tray to be demolished, and that is located in the interstitial space, which does require appropriate certification, respirator fit test, and PPE to enter.

14) Please provide the physicist’s report.

Answer: Please see the report attached in 6 files – “Hazardous Materials Inspection Report 01-2015 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

15) Please verify the correct drawings for bidding. Amendment 1 issued drawings dated earlier than the initial set issued with the solicitation.

Answer: The DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020.

16) Please provide the lad thickness for doors and frames.

Answer: Refer to Physicist report that is attached to the Amendment.

17) What is the lead height?

Answer: Refer to Physicist report that is attached to the Amendment.

18) Main viewing window calls for tempered glass. Should this be leaded as well? Please provide specifications.

Answer: Refer to Physicist report that is attached to the Amendment.

19) What is the thickness of the lead for the walls?

Answer: Refer to Physicist report that is attached to the Amendment.

20) Is a lead lined ceiling required?

Answer: Refer to Physicist report that is attached to the Amendment.

21) Can fiberglass insulation be used in lieu of mineral wool?

Answer:

22) Specifications for Division 27 were not provided. If data/comm is needed in these rooms please provide specifications.

Answer:

23) Is the lead lined curtain Owner Furnished or Contractor Furnished?

Answer:

24) Drawing HA-001 Note A6 call for removal of lead containing conduit. Is there lead soldering or is the conduit itself lead? Please provide more information.

Answer: There are existing conduits in the scope of work that are made of lead. Per note A6, these are to be removed and replaced with conduit per electrical specifications.

25) Drawings HA-001 and HA-001.1 Note A4 calls for spot abatement and Note A13 call for full abatement. Please clarify if spot or full abatement needed for fireproofing.

Answer: Notes A4 and A13 apply in different locations on both HA-001 and HA-001.1. Review drawings for where each applies.

26) Drawing HA-001.1 Note A9 – will area of work require to set up full abatement from floor to underside of Level 5 deck?

Answer: Yes, refer to details 1 & 2/HA-003.

27) Please provide contact information for the Fire Alarm Contractor that is currently monitoring the Fire Alarm Systems for VA – San Diego Healthcare.

Answer: Borja Engineering and Construction, Inc. POC is Samson Borja.

28) Please provide contact information for preferred Fire Sprinkler Contractors for VA – San Diego Healthcare.

Answer: There are no preferred fire sprinkler contractors.

29) Please clarify Sprinkler Density Requirements. Sheet FP-001 calls for 0.10/1500 and Sheet FP-204 calls for 0.15/1500.

Answer: Disregard note on sheet FP-001. Use 0.15/1500 as instructed on sheet FP-204.

30) Please provide Sheets QH-101, QH-102, QH-103, QH-104, QH-105, QH-106, QH-107, QH-108, QH-109, QH-110. These sheets have not been provided in Amendment 0001 dated 06-25-2021.

Answer: The Siemens QH set is being provided as part of Amendment 2. This is a FOR REFERENCE ONLY set.

31) Sheet AD0204 Demo ceiling plan calls out to demo existing acoustical ceiling in alcove located next to Education training room 4074. However, sheet AE-205 Reflected ceiling plan does not show what is to be installed in this space. Please confirm what type of ceiling is to be installed in this space.

Answer: Note 85 on AD-204 states that GC is to remove and salvage existing ACT, grid, and ceiling equipment for the extent of ceiling removed to install new AHU and supporting steel in 4th floor interstitial space. Education Training Room 4704 will serve as staging area for this scope of work.

32) Sheet HA-001 shows abatement required for asbestos insulation at plumbing within walls of alcove located next to Education training room 4074. However, sheet AE-400 finish plan does not not include this alcove. Please confirm GC to perform abatement per sheet HA-001 and restore finishes in this are to match existing.

Answer: Note A3 applies to existing Shower 4068 that becomes new Equipment Room 4068. Refer to sheets AE-400 and AE-401 for new finishes in this room. Note A3 also applies to piping above ceiling being removed in Education Training 4074 for installation of new AHU and supporting frame. Do not demo the walls in this room.

33) During the site visit the facility representative stated that acoustical ceiling tiles could not be opened to see conditions above because they contained hazardous materials. However, sheet HA-001 4th floor hazardous materials abatement does not call out the ceiling tiles as containing hazardous materials. Please confirm existing ceiling tiles contain hazardous materials and will required abatement.

Answer: As a clarification to the Facility Representative comment, the hazardous materials contained on the ceiling tiles are a result of hazardous flaking and chipped material within the interstitial space falling onto the tops of these. The tiles themselves are not made with any asbestos or other hazardous materials.

Refer to sheet HA-003 for containment of both the 4th floor and interstitial space during construction.

34) Sheet HA-001 4th floor hazardous materials abatement states that facility to provide a copy of hazardous report document “Comprehensive hazardous materials survey VA-262-14-P-8269. The bid package did not include the report. Please provide a copy of hazardous report document “Comprehensive hazardous materials survey VA-262-14-P-8269.

Answer: Document is attached.

35) Please provide specifications to match the existing Floor Covering and T-Bar Ceiling materials at the corridor areas to receive Infection Control Barriers.

Answer: Refer to sheets AE-400 and AE-401 for existing finish repair information.

36) Please confirm the Floor Covering and T-Bar Ceilings in the corridors can be patch repaired and are not required to be fully replaced after the Infection Control Barriers have been removed.

Answer: Confirmed, patch and repair existing finishes damaged or needing replacement as a result of construction activities.

37) We were not allowed to remove any ceiling tiles during the job walk. Please provide the deck height (level 4 floor to bottom of level 5 deck).

Answer: Refer to details 15 & 16/AE-300 for information on floor-to-floor heights, height of 4th Floor ceiling, and height of interstitial space.

38) Is there a specific/ required fire sprinkler and fire alarm vendor required for this project?

Answer: There is no specific or required vendor for this project.

39) Per specifications section 1.7, in reference to the SSHO; paragraph C states that a subcontractors SSHO may have collateral duties; however no mention of the Prime Contractor. Please clarify if the Prime Contractors SSHO may also serve as the site superintendent.

Answer: If an individual is qualified for more than one role, that individual can serve in more than one role, including those from the Prime Contractor.

40) Project Manual section 02 82 11 is for asbestos abatement, however not abatement report is available. Please clarify/ confirm if the requirement is to treat all demolition under the asbestos abatement requirements.

Answer: Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Survey (VA262-14-P-8269) is attached for your information. Not all demolition waste is expected to be asbestos containing material.

41) Please confirm if there are any firestopping requirements.

Answer: There are no rated partitions being penetrated in the 4th Floor project scope of work. As a result of new piping shown on sheets MH-103 and MH-104, existing floor slabs may be penetrated. Firestopping at these locations must be appropriate to the size and material of the piping and have F, T, and H ratings of 2 hours.

42) Please confirm the infection control ventilation path of travel.

Answer: This must be confirmed with VA Facilities. It is recommended to use the 4th floor interstitial space and an exterior outlet that will be later used as a permanent exhaust location. See sheets AE-104i and MH-102i-B for more information.

43) Please provide Specification for Mineral Wool Insulation material shown on partition details on sheet AE-603.

Answer: VA template specification 07 21 13 Thermal Insulation, modified to specify acoustical insulation, is being provided as part of this Amendment.

44) Please provide the maximum allowed load for existing concrete deck on the fourth floor.

Answer: 70 psf. ( 50 psf live load + 20 psf partition load)

45) Please provide the allowable path of travel from loading dock to room 4503 for the 6,701 pound PET Scan Equipment.

Answer: GC to consult with VASD Facilities on appropriate elevator to transport PET/CT unit from loading dock to 4th Floor. Based upon the maximum allowed load, and other PET/CT replacements in recent years, it is assumed that the path of travel from elevator to PET/CT II Room will accommodate new unit travel. Note that responsibility for installing the PET CT is the VA vendor, Siemens.

46) Please clarify any shoring or load spread requirements that exist in this path of travel.

Answer: Based upon the maximum allowed load, and other PET/CT replacements in recent years, it is assumed that shoring and load spread requirements are necessary.

47) Specifications, Section 01 00 00, Part 1.6-G states that all work shall be performed off-hours 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Will the VA confirm that this will be a requirement for this project?

Answer: Work may be performed off normal work hours. The contractor is expected to work with the VA COR to accelerate project schedule while minimizing impact to patient care.

48) Specifications, Section 01 00 00, Part 1.22-A, B, C state that the Contractor shall install electric meters to pay for electricity used at the prevailing rate. Will the VA clarify if this will apply to this project and if so, what is the prevailing electricity rate?

Answer: The contractor will not be required to install meters, nor be charged for utility usage. As stated in Spec Section 01 00 00, Part 1.22.A, the contractor shall carefully conserve any utilities furnished without charge.

49) Specifications, Section 01 00 00, Part 1.29 requires the Contractor to furnish a lumber framed painted wood sign for this project. Will this be a requirement for this project and if so, where will the sign be installed?

Answer: No sign is needed.

50) Specifications, Section 01 00 00, Part 1.31 requires the Contractor to engage a professional photographer to document this project. The photographic documentation shall include the experience with advanced indexing/navigation systems achieved through interactive architectural drawings. Will the VA clarify if this will be a requirement for this project or will in-house photographs be acceptable?

Answer: The contractor will engage a professional photographer to document this project.

51) Will the Site Supt. if duly qualified, also be able to serve in the roles to SSHO and CQC or will a separate individual be required for either of those two roles?

Answer: If an individual is qualified for more than one role, that individual can serve in more than one role.

52) Specification Section 01 35 26, Part 1.13 requires tuberculosis screening and documentation for all workers present onsite. Will the VA confirm that this will be a requirement for this project?

Answer: Confirmed, this is a requirement.

53) Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4 requires numerous additional members for the Quality Control Organization including graduate engineers or architects and the CQC System Manager must have the US Army Corps of Engineers CQM certification. Since this will add significant cost to the project, will the VA clarify if this will all be required for this project?

Answer: This is not a requirement.

54) Specification Section 01 45 29, Part 1.1 states that the Testing Laboratory will be retained by the VA. Will the VA confirm that they will engage the Testing Laboratory by separate contract and that this will not be a cost to the Contractor?

Answer: The contractor is to hire a 3rd party laboratory for testing.

55) Specification Section 01 91 00 requires formal commissioning for this project. Part 1.8-C states that the VA will hire the Commissioning Agent (CxA). Will the VA confirm that formal Commissioning is required for this project and that the VA will hire the CxA by separate contract?

Answer: Commissioning is a requirement of this project, and the contractor is to hire a 3rd party commissioning agent.

56) Will the VA require all sprinkler heads to be turns upwards when an acoustical ceiling has been removed?

Answer: Per detail 2/HA-003, existing sprinkler heads are to remain in place during construction. They do NOT need to be altered when existing ceiling is removed.

57) Specification Section 07 84 00, Part 1.5-C requires an ASTM E699 qualified 3rd party inspector. Will the VA confirm whether this will be a requirement for this project?

Answer: Yes, it is a requirement of the project to have any firestopping installed be inspected and certified by an ASTM E699 qualified 3rd party inspector. This is similar to having a special inspector for firestopping on an OSHPD 1 project.

58) Amendment 0002 issued on July 12, 2021 does not address any of the fifteen RFIs previously submitted by our company (see attached). Will the VA be responding to our RFI questions in a subsequent Amendment?

Answer: Yes. Amendment 0003.

59) Amendment 0002, on one of the two RFI response sheets, the following note is found: “*Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020.”. The 11/06/20 Architectural set of Drawings was never issued with the original solicitation or in Amendment 0001. If the VA is instructing the bidders to use the Architectural set dated 11/06/20 with the MP&E sets from 12/04/20, will the VA issue the 11/06/20 Architectural set?

Answer:

60) Plumbing equipment schedule on drawing PL-001 shows medical air outlet and zone valve to be ¾” while medical vacuum is shown to be ½”. Pipe sizes shown on drawing PL-102 are different. Please confirm which is correct?

Answer: