RFIs 1-68 Amendment 0007.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, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

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, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

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 DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

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: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

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, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

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

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

17) What is the lead height?

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

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

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

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

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

20) Is a lead lined ceiling required?

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005.

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

Answer: Follow the requirements of Section 07 21 13, provided with Amendment 2.

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

Answer: Division 27 sections are furnished with this Amendment.

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

Answer: Lead-lined curtain is Contractor Furnished.

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: The DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

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: Confirmed by Plumbing Engineer, line sizes on sheet PL-102 are correct.

61) There appears to be conflicting answers in Amendment 0003 regarding which Drawings to use. VA responses to RFI questions #1, #3, & #15 state: “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.” The VA RFI response to RFI #11 states “The December 4, 2020 set of plans is the final, and the set they should use for bidding on this contract.” Will the VA provide one RFI response that supersedes the apparent different answers about which plans to use for bidding purposes and to also provide a bid date extension to provide the bidders sufficient time to estimate the correct bid set drawings?

Answer: Amendment 0004 revised the response to RFIs 1, 3, and 15 to: The DATE of the IFC set is 11/6/2020. Please note the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural and fire protection drawings all have a date of 12/4/2020. Architectural drawings to be utilized for bids are dated 11/6/2020. Also, please disregard any discrepancies between the drawing list on Architectural sheet G-002 and the electrical/plumbing sets dated 12/4/2020.

Amendment 0004 extended the Bid Due Date to Monday, July 26, 2021, 12:00 PM PDT.

62) In Amendment 0003, several RFI questions were asked (#14, 16, 17, 18, 19, etc.) regarding requests for the Physicists Report detailing lead thickness and other shielding requirements. The VA responses to RFI #14 was “Please see the report attached in 6 files – “Hazardous Materials Inspection Report 01-2015 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.” These attachments are “Hazardous Material Surveys related to asbestos and LBP testing and are not related to the requested Physicists Report for lead shielding requirements. Will the VA provide the actual Physicists Report for the PET CT lead shielding requirements?

Answer: Refer to Physicists Report attached in Amendment 0005. Response to RFI 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 updated.

63) In Amendment 0003, RFI questions #21, 22, 23, 59, 60 were not answered by the VA. Will the VA provide responses to those RFI questions in a subsequent amendment?

Answer: Yes, see Amendment 0004 for responses to #21, 22, 23, 59, and 60. Note: Amendment 0004 revised RFI responses/answers #: 1,3,11,14,15,21,22,23,59, and 60.

64) People are still confused about which drawings to use. For example, the electrical drawings issued with the solicitation have a date of 11/6/2020, not 12/4/2020. Plans show 12/4/2020 on the Revisions List but the actual plan date on the right is 11/6/2020. Should the drawings issued in Amendment 1 and dated 10/2/2020 be disregarded?

Answer: The following are the dates on the sets that the contractors should be bidding on:

1. Architectural Set: Issue Date of 11/06/2020, but shows Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

2. Structural Set: Issue Date of 12/04/2020, and Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

3. Plumbing Set: Issue Date of 12/04/2020, and Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

4. Mechanical Set: Issue Date of 12/04/2020, and Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

5. Electrical Set: Issue Date of 11/06/2020, but shows Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

6. Fire Protection Set: Issue Date of 10/02/2020, but shows Issued for Construction date in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020

Note all sets to be bid on will have Issued for Construction dates in the Revisions block of 12/04/2020. All other sets should not be used for bidding.

65) Is there a possibility of a second site walk?

Answer: No, there are no additional site walks to be held.

66) Are we still able to bid for this job without having been present for the site walk?

Answer: Yes, however attendance at the site walk was highly encouraged. The Prime contractor must be SDVOSB.

67) Is the Prime required to have a specific contractor’s license?

Answer: The specifications DO require licenses from the following: (1) any person performing electrical work under this contract shall be a licensed journeyman or master electrician; (2) a crane operator; (3) Industrial Hygienist in support of the asbestos abatement work; and (4) the contractor performing fire sprinkler work.

68) Spec Section 1.19 Temporary Use of Existing Elevators / A: Says “Contractor will not be allowed the use of existing elevators. Outside type hoist shall be used by contractor for transporting materials and equipment. Use of existing elevators for handling building materials and Contractor’s personnel will be permitted subject the contractor makes all arrangement with the VA Contracting Officer or Representative.”

The Existing Elevators do not meet the weight rating or car size requirements for transporting the PET Scan equipment (reference sheet QH-102) and there is no information on the drawings with regard to the approved location of the Construction Hoist Equipment.

Question 68A: Will the VA provide the approved location of the construction hoist equipment?

Question 68B: Will the VA provide Architectural & Structural Engineering, & Details for the construction hoist equipment to connect to the structure?

Question 68C: Will the VA provide the approved path of travel for transporting the construction equipment and materials from the hoist to the construction areas located on the 3rd, 4th, and 6th floors?

Question 68D: Will the VA provide the approved load limits for the slab floors?

Question 68E: Will the VA provide load spread requirements and shoring requirement the approved path of travel with regard to the transportation of the PET Scan equipment.

Answer 68A-68E:

The Contractor will be allowed use of the VA elevators and service elevators to transport material and equipment to the 4th floor construction location. We anticipate the contractor will work with the VA COR to determine the most practical means of moving material and equipment, and we believe this will not require the use of cranes or unwieldy hoist equipment. Note the contractor will not be required to transport, or install, the new PET CT Scan equipment; that will be done by a separate VA vendor.

Maximum allowed loads for the existing concrete deck on the 4th floor: 70 psf. ( 50 psf live load + 20 psf partition load).