S05 MASTER - IFB 36C25821B0016 Responses to RFI 001 - 094.pdf

IFB Solicitation #36C258-21-B-0016 Project #664-21-302

VA response in red

Request for Information (RFI) Log OR Suite HVAC Replacement in Building 1

Construction Project RFI Due Date: 25 August 2021

VA San Diego Healthcare System (664)

1. The solicitation only lists Attachment 1 on page 5. There were other documents issued with this

RFP, Attachment 2, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and other attachments that are not listed. Will the VA please confirm that these other attachments, even though they are not listed, are part of the contract documents.

Solicitation lists Attachment 2-18 on page 17

2. The statement of work issued with the RFP does not appear to be fully edited, it references the kitchen/dishwasher operations which are not near the OR suite. Will the VA please review the statement of work and confirm that it has been fully edited.

The contractor was correct there was a mistake in B.5 C. The sentence should read as:

b. The Contractor will not interfere with the operation of the Central Plant Operations and OR Suite

3. The statement of work states that normal business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm however it also states in the same paragraph that work is to be performed between the hours of 3:00 PM and 11:30 PM. Please confirm the working hours for this project.

The working hours for this project will vary depending on the phase of the project being worked on as shown on the contract drawings. For work on the roof of Building , work can be done from 7:30 AM to 4 PM. For work above and in the OR Suite work can only be done from 3:00 to 11:30 PM. As stated above in the RFI answer, the Contractor shall not interfere with the operation of the OR Suite. The OR Suite will be operational during the project.

4. Mechanical Drawing B is printing as 8X11 and not the normal size of a drawing. Can you get or format the attachment to correct the printing error?

The drawings to be printed on printer that can print large size prints such as a plotter. If they don’t have a plotter they can use a reprographics firm to print it on full size or half size drawings.

5. The metal framing details for the doors are missing. See sheet AE-601, Detail F5. This detail refers to detail F5/AE-504. Please provide detail F5/AE-504.

See detail F5/AE-601 per door schedule on AE-601.

6. Please provide the location of the proposed laydown yard. The minimum yard size required for this project will be 50’x100’.

Due to the large number and magnitude of active project on this constrained site, laydown area will be assigned to the contractor at the Notice To Proceed meeting. The contractor will consider this site an impacted site and there will be minimal laydown area.

7. Please confirm a minimum of 4 sets of keys and keycards will be provided to the contractors to allow contractor’s unimpeded and unfettered access to the work areas including the OR’s, roof, and interstitial spaces.

Due to current COVID situation access in the medical center is controlled. The contractor will be limited to 2 set of keys. The need for additional keys will be evaluated on as needed basis.

8. The existing doors and frames in the OR are in excellent condition and appear to be lead lines and were recently replaced under a previous task order/contract. The proposed new doors and frames will not be lead lines. It would make sense to leave these doors in place and add automatic door openers to the existing doors as scheduled. Please advise.

The existing doors will remain in place and new automatic door openers to be installed as scheduled.

9. Please provide a Pre-Heating Hot Water Coil Connection detail for AC-74A & AC-74B

See detail #7 on sheet MH-302 for heating coil connection detail.

A/E recommend coordinating with the control valve vendor to select the proper 2-way control valve. Ensure the 2-way control valve achieves proper control valve authority (preferably somewhere between 4.5 and 7) to make sure unwanted HHW does not leak through the heating coil.

Since these control valves are located on the roof, the actuators, linkages and motors shall be rated for outdoor installation.

The detail shows conceptually the sequence in which the components are to be installed, the actual locations are to be field determined for clearances, accessibility, space limitations, etc.

10. Please confirm that the mechanical items that require demolition shown on drawings MD 205I and

MD 206, attached, do not contain asbestos and will not be considered ACM and thus not requiring abatement. This would include the piping, pipe insulation, duct work, duct insulation and mastics such for duct sealer or connectors.

These items are to be considered Asbestos containing materials in accordance with EPA and San Diego APCD regulations in accordance with Specification 02 82 11 1.5

11. Per the phasing plan the contractor is to close the isolation dampers in the main supply and return duct to the existing AC74 in Phase 2A and utilize AC-26 to supply conditioned air to the OR’s. As we understand the design documents, Existing Exhaust Fan GX-38A will provide the exhaust air for OR-1 thru OR-7/6 and the Admin./Support areas during Phase 2A and beyond. If for some reasons AC26 or Exhaust Fan GX-38A become inoperative, the OR’s will have to be shut down. Given the critical nature of this work in that it serves the ORs, I believe it is imperative that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the current phasing plan in this regard and the assumption of this risk by the VA. Please advise if the VA concurs with our understanding of the sequencing of the work and the methodology by which the ORs and Admin./Support Areas are to be air conditioned during the execution of the proposed work.

Refer to phasing plan described in contract drawings titled PHASING and in accordance to Specification Section 01 00 00 1.3A.

12. It appears a vast majority of the scheduled equipment was already installed under a previous contract. Does the government intend to utilize the new HVAC equipment already in the government’s possession? If so, please provide a list of government furnished contractor installed equipment.

Existing equipment on the roof that is included in the scope of the project is listed on schedules in

MH007

13. Section 13 05 41 – Seismic Restrain Requirements - There are several Exceptions to those items that require seismic bracing in Para: 1.6 B.; these exceptions are noted as follows:

a. Equipment weighing less than 400 pounds, which is supported directly on the floor or roof.

b. Equipment weighing less than 20 pounds, which is suspended from the roof or hung from a wall.

c. 3. Gas and medical piping less than 2 ½ inches inside diameter.

d. 4. Piping in boiler plants and equipment rooms less than 1 ¼ inches inside

e. 5. All other piping less than 2 ½ inches inside diameter, except for automatic fire suppression

f. 6. All piping suspended by individual hangers, 12 inches or less in length from- the top of pipe to the bottom of the support for the hanger.

g. 7. All electrical conduits, less than 2 ½ inches inside diameter

h. 8. All rectangular air handling ducts less than six square feet in cross sectional

i. 9. All round air handling ducts less than 28 inches in diameter

j. 10.All ducts suspended by hangers 12 inches or less in length from the top of the duct to the bottom of support for the for the hanger.

Please confirm the items noted above will be excluded from the Seismic Restraint Requirements as delineated in the specifications.

The A/E confirms these items will be excluded from the requirement.

14. We understand that 16-Hour AHERA is required for all employees to enter and work in the interstitial space. Please confirm this training require and if different, please advise what training is required.

The level of Asbestos training is depended on the type of work to be done. The level of training is to be in accordance with OSHA and SD APCD requirements in accordance with Specification 02 82 11. Asbestos removal workers will require 4-day class and their supervisor will require 5-day supervisor course. Workers working in the interstitial space will require 16-hour AHERA class.

The general contractor project supervisor and the alternate project supervisor will require the 5-day supervisor course.

15. On drawing GC-002, General Notes, Note 4 under the Heading Hazardous Materials states that

"Contractor to dispose of all hazardous materials at the jobsite including asbestos...". Through our research, we have found that the VA San Diego periodically has large metal bins on site available for the disposal of ACM. Are contractor’s going to be allowed to dispose of the asbestos on the jobsite per the contract?

NO Contractor is responsible for disposal of Asbestos in accordance Specification 02 82 11

16. Recently the issue of "Work Plans" on VA projects has become a point of contention and source of project delays on various projects. We have searched the specifications and located very few references to “work plans”. Except for Sections 02 82 11, 02 83 33 and 26 05 11, we have found no other requirement for "work plans" in the contract. Can the government provide offerors with a list of work activities that will require a "work plan" and a detailed description of what should be included in these "work plans." In the past, it has seemed like we were always trying to hit a moving target as the requirements vary from project to project, day to day, and COR to COR.

Contractor is responsible for means and methods to complete the project which includes preparing acceptable work plans in accordance with industry standards and norms

17. Please reference drawing MH-SKM-4. There are two steam traps shown, one for the AC-74 Steam

Coil, and one for the AC74B Steam Coil. Can you please specify these steam trap as you did on drawing MH 007? We believe these steam traps are for the Reactivation Heaters of which there are total of 4, two for AC74A and two for AC74B. Should we have one steam trap for each coil for a total of 4 or do we combine them on a common heater and provide only two total. If you would also provide a detail as to how to pipe these steam traps it would be most appreciated.

Refer to detail 7/MH-303

18. There may be an IBC code compliance issue with dumping the condensate into the roof drains/storm drain as shown on the attached Drawings P301 and P206. Please advise if you would like these condensate lines routed to the sanitary sewer system. If so, please provide revised drawings showing the new condensate routing and points of connection.

Condensate is not routed to storm drain. Refer to current plumbing drawings.

19. We are requesting to use screwed, or Victaulic’s Grooved Steam Coupling System, for all Steam and

Vent Piping for sizes up to and including 3-inch pipe. We are asking this for safety reasons as it will be very difficult, and highly problematic, to weld in the interstitial space and on the roof. The interstitial space currently contains a significant number of combustible materials. Avoidance of any possible heat/smoke/flame producing procedure, such as welding, will provide a much safer and environmentally friendly situation for the existing ORs and Administrative spaces below our work area without compromising quality, and maximizing safety for the workers, staff, and patients.

Please note, Victaulic’s system for saturated steam is rated for 200 PSI and 300 degrees which far exceeds any pressures on this project. Please advise.

The contractor will not be allowed to use Victaulic Grooved Steam Coupling System, since this system was not specified in Section 23 22 13 2.3.

20. Due to interstitial space congestion and interferences, it is not possible to route the 6" CWR and

CWS lines in the 5th floor interstitial space as shown on MH 205IP. As it currently stands, there is no clear pathway to run the pipes. We would recommend revising the drawings to connect the 6" pipes in the 6th floor interstitial space. Can you provide the riser drawing for the 6th floor interstitial space so we can explore finding a new connection point and routing? Or you may wish to provide us with a new connection point and routing on the plan set.

Refer to drawing MH-205IP

21. Our Munter's Sales Engineer was onsite recently and expressed concerns about the close-proximity of several Bio-Hazard Exhaust fans to the AC74B outside air intake. We concur with his concerns. While on the roof you can smell the exhaust coming from these exhaust fans near AC74B intake.

The exhaust fan ducts have clear bio-hazard stickers on them, and it would probably be a bad idea to introduce contaminated air into an OR suite air stream. We would recommend re routing the existing exhaust fan outlets away from the OSA intakes.

Refer to current MH-206

22. Within the 5th floor interstitial space there is loose Asbestos, Suspected Asbestos Duct Sealer, Trash, Abandoned Temporary Ductwork, and construction debris throughout that could create abatement issues. In addition, general trash and other combustible items have been found throughout the interstitial spaces. Will the work area be clear of loose ACM and trash prior to the commencement of construction?

The contractor will be responsible for the means and methods to complete the project. The contractor will be responsible for the clean up of any construction debris, trash and other construction material that they created during the project.

23. Please provide a project specific hazardous materials survey.

Contract documents contain Building 1 Hazardous Material Survey identifying hazardous materials contained in Building 1.

24. Are there any hazardous materials requiring abatement under this contract? If so, what are the types, quantity, and locations?

Contract documents indicate the presence of Asbestos and Lead primer on structural steel. The amount to be abated is depended on mean and methods the contractor uses to anchor and install conduits, ductworks, and piping in accordance with the contract documents.

25. Will the ductwork scheduled to be removed be considered ACM?

These items are to be considered Asbestos containing materials

26. The existing catwalks, from which the contractors are supposed to use to access the interstitial workspaces are obstructed and blocked in many locations by duct, conduit, plumbing, and other building systems, utilities, and infrastructure. As the site access plan is currently designed, there is not enough room to allow us to bring the material, equipment, personnel, and tools to the required locations within the 5th floor interstitial space as shown in the contract documents. For us to perform and gain access to our work, we would have to relocate many ducts, pipes, conduits, etc. This additional scope work is not part of the solicitation’s work. Additionally, these pipes, ducts, and conduit serve ORs 1 thru 7, admin areas, and must be kept operational during the work under the current solicitation requirements. As it currently stands, we do not see any feasible way to accomplish the work while keeping the ORs in operations. We recommend that the VA change the phasing plan to include shutting down the ORs for 6 to 8 months to allow full demolition of the existing ceilings to allow contractors access to HVAC systems scheduled for replacement. This would allow the required access to the work areas through the ceilings.

The A/E has determined that a majority of the mechanical equipment that is to be installed in the 5th floor interstitial space will be able to be brought in using existing catwalks. There is some equipment however (e.g.: bag-in bag-out filters, certain sections of ductwork), that may need an alternate route. In these instances, the contractor will need to determine an appropriate and acceptable way of getting this equipment into the interstitial space to its final location. The means and methods to accomplish this is to be determined by the contractor. Shutting down the entire OR Suite for up to 8 months is not a viable option and will not be considered. The project will not significantly affect the operation of the medical center in accordance with Specification 01 00 00 1.6G. The contract will only allow one OR Suite to be out service during the project. The contract documents state that construction will be accomplished by only taking one OR Suite out of service at one time. The specific specification section 01 00 00 1.3A and 23 05 11 1.4C refer to the phasing of the project shown on the contract drawings titled PHASING

27. Please refer to drawings MD 205I and MH 205I between grid lines J & H and 4.8 & 5. Per the phasing plan, the existing duct tee at this location must remain in place to serve ORs 1 thru 6 at the same time we are supposed to install a new 54" x 34" duct tee in this location to serve OR #7. This is impossible as the two tees would need to occupy the same physical space and there is not enough room for the two tees to be in place simultaneously. Please provide/advise as to an engineered solution to this problem. Considering this issue, and the issues raised regarding cat-walk congestion, we recommend the VA modify the phasing plan to close the ORs for 6 to 8 months and allow time for the work to be performed. This would solve the issues described above.

Shutting down the entire OR Suite for up to 8 months is not a viable option and will not be considered. The project will not significantly affect the operation of the medical center in accordance with Specification 01 00 00 1.6G.. The contractor will be allowed a shutdown of the OR Suite over a three-day holiday weekend to accomplish any cut over work. The contract will allow only one OR Suite to be out service during the project. The contract documents state that construction will be accomplished by only taking one OR Suite out of service at one time. The specific specification section 01 00 00 1.3A and 23 05 11 1.4C refer to the phasing of the project shown on the contract drawings titled PHASING

28. What is the process for obtaining hot work permits? In the past obtaining hot work permits has been a significant source of delay and we want to make sure the process, and responsible parties, are clearly delineated during the solicitation process.

Contractor will submit a complete and correct Hot Work Permit no later than 48 hours prior to the start of hot work to the COR for approval in accordance with Specification 01 35 16 1.22. If the form is incomplete or contains errors the permit will not be approved and the hot work will not occur.

29. Do you want us to pipe the Humidifiers per detail 11/MH 303 or per the manufacturer's details?

There are subtle yet significant differences between the two piping schematics. Please advise.

Pipe the Humidifiers per the manufacturer’s details in accordance with Detail 11/MH-303

30. The steam coil connections for the regeneration coils for the AHU’s shown on the plans is different from the manufacturer's recommendations. See details 7/ MH 303. Please advise which connection detail should be followed.

The contractor should proceed per the manufacturer’s recommendations in accordance with Detail 7/MH-303

31. Due to all the combustible materials present in the 5th floor interstitial space it is completely unsafe to weld in this space. We would like to propose the use of screwed pipe or Victaulic grooved pipe & fittings in lieu of welding. Victaulic’s system for saturated steam is rated for 200 PSI and 300 degrees which far exceeds any pressures on this project. Please advise.

The contractor will not be allowed to use Victaulic Grooved Steam Coupling System was not specified in Section 23 22 13 2.3.

32. Spec Section 02 82 11/1.1.2 Extent of [Traditional Asbestos Abatement] Work states the following:

See Appendix – A Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Survey by ENCORP dated March 2015.

1. The contractor shall perform spot abatement any hazardous material indicated in the above report within the area of work and/or any hazardous material encountered through the course of construction of the work in compliance with this section in order to provide a full and complete project as indicated by the drawings and specifications.

Appendix A is a comprehensive hazardous materials survey for VAMC Bldg. 1 (dated March 2015) and isn’t a project specific Hazardous Materials survey that clearly locates the hazardous materials that are to be abated for this project. Additionally, this report is 6 years old and not current per the recommendations under Section II.2.1 which recommends “a 3-year re-inspection to be performed by a licensed Certified Asbestos Consultant”.

OSHA regulations require that building owners and employees identify previously installed ACM/PACM. Neither the specified scope of work nor plan set clearly quantifies the materials that needs to abated to accomplish this project. Please provide a clear hazardous materials scope of work or project specific hazardous materials survey clearly delineating the hazardous materials to be abated under the resultant contract.

Contract documents indicate the presence of Asbestos and Lead primer on structural steel. The report also indicates the presence of loose asbestos in the interstitial spaces of the 5th and 6th

Floor. The amount to be abated is depended on mean and methods the contractor uses to anchor and install conduits, ductworks, and piping in accordance with the contract documents.

33. Is the current roof under warranty?

Yes the roof is currently under warranty from the roofing manufacturer, JM.

34. Reflected Ceiling Key Note 5/AE-105 states the contractor is to “…Remove and reinstall hardwall ceiling above the suspended ceiling.” Does the entire OR contain a hard lid ceiling? If yes, please provide a detail for the existing construction of the ceiling.

AE Response: See sheet AE-902 for site photographs and AR-103 for existing ceiling details.

35. General Note 9/AE-401 states the VA will allow contractor access to R&R the existing 5th floor ceiling to gain access for mechanical equipment replacement only in certain areas. In order replace the mechanical equipment in the interstitial space the contractors are going to need ceiling access at each location new equipment is scheduled to be installed as the equipment is too large to rig through the existing interstitial egress and catwalks. Please confirm the VA will make the necessary site accommodations to allow the contractor to complete this project.

VA will review Contractor proposals on ceiling access to minimize impact to the operation of the OR Suite. Contractor will work within the approve phasing plan they submitted.

36. Scope of Work narrative on sheet MH 003 states the contractor shall field investigate the entire 5th floor west to identify and repair/replace any damaged ductwork associated with either AC-26, AC- 74E, and the corresponding exhaust ductwork. As the contract is currently written this scope of work is not able to be bid as the work isn’t quantified. This clause unfairly shifts the DOR’s design burden to the contractor and adds a high degree of risk for the contractor for work that should have been identified in the DOR’s site investigations. Can the government provide plans showing the ductwork requiring repair/replacement or, at the very least, provide an allotment of duct repair/replacement the contractors are to carry in their proposals?

If damaged duct work is encountered by the Contractor, this will be reported to the COR and Contracting Officer for evaluation.

37. Please confirm commissioning is to be provided per the specifications.

Yes, contractor is to perform commissioning in accordance with the specifications.

38. Spec 09 91 00/2.4 Exterior High Performance Coating Systems-Exterior Water Tanks at Roof states the contractor is so provide a 2 coat PPG Epoxy Primer with Polysiloxane Finish paint system. Per the HVAC Insulation Spec 23 07 11.3.2.E.3 Expansion Tanks are to be insulated with 2” Thick Insulation faced with ASJ. Spec 23 07 11.3.1.I.I.4 contradicts the above and states expansion tanks aren’t to be insulated. Is the expansion tank required to be coated and insulated or is the tank to only be coated and left exposed? If the tank is to be insulated is the insulated to be finished with PVC and/or sheet metal for protection from the elements?

Recommend 2” insulation per Spec 23 07 11 and keynote 8 on sheet MH-206.

39. Phasing Note Phase 2A states the contractor is to “[i]nstall new supply air duct from AC-74B down shaft to 5th floor interstitial space. Connect to existing main supply air duct.” Field investigations have revealed there isn’t enough room in the interstitial space to connect the new supply ductwork into the existing ductwork without removing the existing ductwork and fittings. The new ductwork and fittings and existing ductwork and fittings will occupy the same space and therefore the old will need to be demolished to make way for the new. Please confirm the government will allow the requisite OR outages required to accomplish this work in one contiguous time-period and will not hinder the contractor’s performance of said work. As currently phased we don’t see any reasonable way to accomplish this work without shutting down the OR’s in their entirety for extended periods of time.

Refer to the contract drawings. New duct connection will not occupy same space as existing connection. If required and approved by the VA COR, the contractor will be allowed at maximum over a three-day holiday weekend to close down the OR Suite to accomplish any cut over work.

This work will require at a minimum 60 day notification to the VA to schedule the shutdown due possible impact to critical patient care operations.

40. Who is going to abate the friable insulation that is currently laying on the horizontal surfaces in the interstitial space? If the ceilings are opened with the current conditions the OR’s, Admin Area, & Hallways will be contaminated with ACM.

The successful contractor will be responsible for the proper containment of the area affected by the opening of the ceilings and the abatement of the friable asbestos they disturb while opening the ceilings.

41. Key Note 4/MH 205 states the contractor is to provide new sealed/gasketed diffuser/grille appropriate for quasi-isolation. In review of the reflected ceiling plans it states the contractor is to seal the ceiling devices and the mechanical schedule doesn’t specify new diffusers/grilles. Are new diffusers/grilles required? If yes, please provide a revised mechanical schedule or product data showing the specified diffusers/grille.

All diffusers/grilles in OR 1 – 7 are to be reused. Diffusers/grilles serving Quasi-isolation room are to match those in existing OR’s.

42. RFI# 42: The project scope of work includes removing the already installed roofing system where anchor bolts attach the structural steel platforms to the concrete deck. Attached are the certified test results from the previous contract clearly showing that all anchors past inspection. Removing newly installed roofing to retest what has already past testing doesn’t appear to be a very good utilization of tax-payer funding as this additional work will easily add ~$100K to the contract price.

a. In body of email from Sergent Construction related to RFI 42. “Please see attached RFI #3 and Submittal 01 00 00-6, Concrete Anchor Bolt Testing & Inspection. This project includes scope to deconstruct the newly installed roof in the name of retesting anchor bolts fastening the steel platforms to the concrete deck. Per the attached inspection report, all said anchors bolts have been inspected by a independent 3rd party lab and past inspection without issue. In our opinion, performing this work once more this isn’t a good use of tax payer money and we would recommend removing this from the project’s scope of work.”

Submittal 01 00 00 -6, Concrete Anchor Bolt Testing & Inspection.pdf

The contractor will not be required remove the existing newly installed roof patches and retest the anchor bolts that have been tested earlier.

43. Please provide a copy of the sign in sheet. Contracting response: Amendment A0001 provides a copy of the Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit Sign-In sheets.

44. Please confirm the location of the contractor laydown yard.

Due to the number and size of active construction projects on site, the location of the contractor laydown yard will be provided at the time of the NTP meeting. Contractor will be provided minimal laydown area on site.

45. Please confirm the number of parking spaces that will be provided for contractors.

In accordance with Specification 01 00 00 1.5F-2 a maximum of 2 work vehicles will be allowed to be parked in the contractor laydown area. The contractor is eligible to use the remote parking lot located at 6435 Miramar Road. Shuttle bus service from the remote lot to the medical center is provided.

46. The project scope of work calls for reworking/welding the roof top walk-way pads to the roof.

During our site inspection we witnessed all roof pads are properly installed on the roof. Is this scope of work left over from the previous project?

The note #15 on AE-402 said, “Confirm adhesive apply to new roofing material per manufacturer’s instructions, weld entire perimeter.” This is required since the installation of the walk-way pads was originally done improperly and this is rework to ensure the walk-way pads are installed correctly.

47. It appears in some instances the plans haven’t been properly edited to clearly delineate the work completed under the previous contract. Have the plans been properly edited to accurately detail the existing site conditions and show clear lines of demarcation where the contractor is continue from file://r01sdchsm02.r01.med.va.gov/Services/Engineering/_Construction%20&%20Real%20Property%20Mgt/Projects/664-21-302%20OR%20Suite%20HVAC%20Replacement,%20Bldg%201/12.0%20CONSTRUCTION%20%20PROCUREMENT/RFI/RFI%20042-062/Submittal%2001%2000%2000%20-6,%20Concrete%20Anchor%20Bolt%20Testing%20&%20Inspection.pdf what is already installed?

The contract drawings were developed based upon current field conditions verified by the A/E firm.

48. Since the Operating Rooms where not accessible during the site visit will the VA allow an after-hours Site Walk to view the OR rooms? If not, will the VA provide photographs of the OR rooms?

After hours visits to the OR Suite can be scheduled with CO and COR

49. There appears to be one bariatric patient lift depicted on Sheets GC-102 & AE-101 for PACU Room 5077.

There are specification for lifts, and it is unclear if this lift is a part of this project. Will the VA clarify whether this patient lift is required for this project and if so, will the VA provide specifications for patient lifts?

Patient lift installation is not part of the scope of the project and is not required.

50. Will the VA clarify whether the Site Supt., if duly qualified, may also serve in the roles of SSHO and CQC or will a separate individual be required for either of those two roles?

A duly qualified person can serve as the Site Supt and SSHO or Site Supt and CQC but can not fulfill the duties of Site Supt, SSHO and CQC. It is up to the Contractor to determine which of these two duties the Site Supt will fulfill either SSHO or CQC and have

51. Will the VA provide a designated space onsite for contractor staging and storage?

Due to the number and size of active construction projects on site, the location of the contractor laydown yard will be provided at the time of the NTP meeting. Contractor will be provided minimal laydown area on site.

52. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.15-A, B, C, & D require the Contractor to install meters for electricity use and pay the VA for the prevailing electricity cost. Will the VA clarify if this will be required for this project and if so, provide the prevailing electricity rate?

This will not be required

53. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.19 requires the Contractor to pay for a subscription to “Submittal Exchange” for use as the collaborative platform for this project. Will the VA clarify if other EDMS platforms already in use at many VA facilities such as “Procore” will be an acceptable alternative?

The use of Procore or similar EDMS platform is acceptable as long as the VA is not required to pay to access the platform.

54. Specification Section 01 35 26, Part 1.13 requires all employees assigned to this project to have Tuberculin testing within 90 days of assignment to this project. Will the VA clarify if this will be required for this project?

Contractor will be required to comply with Tuberculin testing specification.

55. Due to new federal guidelines, will the VA clarify whether proof of COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all personnel assigned to this project?

Refer questions to the OMB site. See Agency Model Safety Principles for Federal Employees and Contractors.

56. Section 01 45 00 – Quality Control, Sub-Part 3.4(C) requires additional personnel above the CQC personnel specified elsewhere. These include Architects and Engineers or Construction Professional with 5-years’ experience in all categories except Environmental which requires that the Contractor hire a Graduate Environmental Engineer. Per the Specifications these additional personnel positions are required to be on the job site whenever work in their area of expertise is being performed. Will the VA clarify whether all of these costly requirements will be enforced for this project, including the hiring of a Graduate Environmental Engineer? If required will they need to be on site on a full time basis or just at certain milestones or Will the https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/downloads/revised%20COVID19_Safe%20Federal%20Workplace_Agency%20Model%20Safety%20Principles_20210728.pdf

VA allow the CQC system manger to perform the day to day quality control monitoring and only require specialty quality control staff to come out to do inspections prior to covering a specific scope of work and perhaps just prior to starting up a system?

General contractor to hire Specialty Quality Control Staff to perform daily quality control monitoring, who do not share other responsibility on the project.

57. Specification 01 45 00.3.4.C identifies a long list of specialty quality control staff member, such as electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, structural engineer, low voltage, architect etc., and this specification section goes on to say that all of these people need to be directly employed by the general contractor or a specified technical company and that each of these specialty quality control staff members must be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel’s area of responsibility.

If we are going to be required to have multiple specialty quality control staff member onsite whenever any trade person is working, it is going to drive the cost up substantially. As an example, the electrician is normally on the jobs site from the first day to the last day of the job with short beak during the drywalling & Painting phase. To meet this specification as written we would need to have an electrical engineer on the jobs site every day for probably 30 weeks.

General contractor to hire Specialty Quality Control Staff to perform daily quality control monitoring, who do not share other responsibility on the project.

58. Specification Section 01 91 00, Part 1.8-C states that the VA will engage the Commissioning Agent (CxA) by a separate contract. Will the VA clarify whether formal commissioning will be required for this project and if so, that the VA will contract separately with the CxA and that this will not be a cost for the Contractor?

Contractor will be responsible for engaging CxA agent as part of this contract.

59. Specification Section 01 91 00 appears to be un-edited as it contains several “Spec Writes Notes”. Will the VA clarify if this Specification Section will be revised or remain “as is”?

Remain as is as per the A/E.

60. Specification Section 07 84 00 – Firestopping, Part 3.5-B requires the Contractor to hire a 3rd party Firestopping Inspector for this project. Will the VA clarify that this is a requirement for this project?

No a third party Firestopping Inspector is not required.

61. Specification section 07 84 00 part 1.5.B says the fire stopping Installer must have the following qualifications: a firm that has been approved by FM Global according to FM Global 4991 per equivalent UL”, Will the VA allow the contractor to use its own personnel to install the fire stopping if they are certified by the manufacturer of the fire stopping material in lieu of FM Global 4991 or equivalent certification?

The contractor will be responsible for providing VA with the certification of installation training by the fire stopping material and fire stopping system manufacturer for installers and the VA will review and approve the certification as long as it is equivalent to FM Global 4991

62. The rooftop Mechanical plans do not show a SCWR line for the steam regeneration units while the 5th floor interstitial plans show a ¾” SCWR line up to the roof. Please advise if a SCWR is required on the roof. If so, what size?

AE Response: Refer to MH-206P for the continuation of this ¾” line for steam condensate return.

63. To complete the required abatement work in interstitial space the existing AHUs supporting the OR’s must be turned off so the work areas can be properly contained, abated, cleaned, and ACM not allowed to enter the air stream. In review of the current phasing plan, it doesn’t appear the DOR has taken into account the AHUs will also need to turned off to R&R the duct trunks supplying the OR’s from the roof. Please confirm the VA will support the requisite AHU outages required to complete this work during off hours and weekends?

Contractor to provide work plan for asbestos abatement required as part of this project in accordance with the extent of Asbestos work contained in 02 82 11 1.1.2 A.1

“The contractor shall perform spot abatement any hazardous material indicated in the above report within the area of work and/or any hazardous material encountered through the course of construction of the work in compliance with this section in order to provide a full and complete project as indicated by the drawings and specifications.”

Contractor to provide temporary system for the space as required, and coordinate with VA for off hours / weekend work if required by submitted work plan.

64. In light of the VA’s response to RFI’s confirming that all demolition in the interstitial space is considered ACM we have developed the following question.

To complete the required abatement and demo of all existing HVAC equipment and ductwork in interstitial space the existing AHUs supporting the OR’s must be turned off temporarily to allow for spot abatement and capping of the branch duct work. Please confirm the VA will support the requisite AHU outages required to complete this work during off hours and weekends.

The contractor will be required to submit an Asbestos Work Plan from the qualified Asbestos subcontractor indicating the area that the spot abatement will be occurring and the justification for the shut down of the existing AHU’s during the spot abatement process. All work to done in accordance with 02 82 11 1.5.

65. Will the contractor be required to provide 3rd Party Air Monitoring and Clearance sampling in addition to the Facility providing the same?

Yes the contractor will be required to provide 3rd Party Air Monitoring and Clearance sampling in accordance with 02 82 11 2.2.3.

66. Please provide product data for the new diffusers/grills to be installed in the Quasi-Isolation room.

Provide Price LFD laminar flow diffuser or approved equal.

67. Per the VA’s response to RFI 36 the contractor is to report damaged duct work to the contracting officer. Please confirm once the scope of damaged ductwork is known and provided to the KO a contract modification will be issued to cover the costs associated with this work.

Per the VA’s response to RFI 36 the contractor’s report of damage duct work will be evaluated by the CO and the COR.

68. Please confirm the rooftop expansion tank is to only receive 2” insulation per Spec 23 07 11 Keynote 8/MH-206 as the current tank is currently painted.

Confirmed. Please provide 2” insulation per Spec 23 07 11 and Keynote 8/MH-206.

69. Paragraph C.d in the statement of work states the contractor is to set-up and operate dehumidification units within the affected rooms to dry out the area. Paragraph C.e states the contractor is to set-up construction barriers constructed of Type X 5/8” gyp. board to ensure a barrier between existing Nutrition and Food space and the construction area. The work area for this project isn’t near the existing Nutrition and Food Space nor are dehumidifiers or temp barriers shown on the plans. These work items appear to be left over from another project. Please confirm these paragraphs don’t apply to this project.

This paragraph does not apply to this project and should be ignored.

70. Who is the POC for DDC Controls?

The COR is the POC for the contractor for DDC controls. (A/E stated that their POC was Sunbelt Controls.)

71. In section 07 54 23 TPO Roofing you have listed under 1.2 related work; A. Roof insulation, you reference related work in section 07 22 00 ROOF AND DECK INSULATION, however, the section is not listed o the Table of Contents. Ref: Specifications 1 of 2 Please confirm if this specification section 07 22 00 is applicable to this project.

Omit specs section 07 22 00.

72. 07 60 00 FLASHING AND SHEETMETAL is referenced on Table of Contents; also referenced in 07 54 23 listed under 1.2 related work B. This section is not is not provided within the specifications file.

Ref: Specifications 1 of 2 Please provide the referenced specification section 07 60 00 if applicable to this project

Omit specs section 07 60 00.

73. Is temporary cooling required within this contract? Ref: SOW paragraph C. and D.

Yes, as per the SOW paragraph C and D.

74. HEPA Filters designed to the limit of capacity. The size should be increased.

Filter sizes were designed based on the manufacturer recommendation. Include a 25% filter sizes increase for bid.

75. Need structural plan/detail for HF-9&10. Please provide.

See MH-301 and MH-302 for details.

76. How long can we shut down OR to allow sealant to dry. Existing trunk lines have multiple leaks that have to be sealed.

The contractor will be required to submit work plan to the COR describing the extent of the work what areas will be affected by the proposed shutdown. The maximum time for shutdown of a trunk line does not affect all OR Suites will be 36 hour, over a weekend. This is subject to review of the Contractor’s work plan by COR and OR staff. This is an operational medical center and any shutdown will have to be in compliance with 01 00 00 1.6 K2 and 01 00 00 1.6K4 and not affect medical center operation.

77. Will access from below (opening OR ceiling) be allowed for rigging of large components into the interstitial?

The contractor will submit a work plan and indicate on the project schedule when and location this work will occurring and the duration of the work. VA will review the submitted plan and schedule and approval will be based on the operational requirements to ensure the continued operation of the OR Suite. The area that is propose to be used for the equipment lift will be required to have a full asbestos containment.

78. Verify if OR ceiling is opened a full containment with negative air will be required.

Yes, if the OR ceiling is opened, the contractor will be required to erect a full containment in accordance with Specification 02 82 11

79. Will the OR be closed during welding activities?

Any welding work above the OR Suite will be conducted on the off tours (5-Midnight) or on scheduled weekends. The OR Suite will remain operational for the project.

80. Will this work have to be performed afterhours and on weekends? Will any of the work have to be performed at midnight?

Any work that occurs in the interstisial areas above the OR Suites will occurring the afterhours and on weekends. Work may need to occur from midnight to 5 AM depending on OR schedules and contractor work requirements.

81. Can access be provided to thoroughly assess the condition of all of the roof equipment? Their current condition is unknown. Can you provide the engineering assessment report of all of the equipment?

Additional pre-bid site visits can be scheduled through the Contracting Officer. The mechanical equipment currently installed on the roof meets the design parameters, however since the project was left unfinished and the equipment has not been operated, verification is required by the contractor.

82. Existing roof piping is not sized per plan and does not show being demolished. Should existing piping be demolished and new properly sized piping be installed?

Correct incorrect piping with proper insulation.

83. Upon completing a phase how long will the VA need before the work on the next phase can begin?

The completion of a phase will include the contractor completing all required TAB testing and reports ensuring area HVAC system is in compliance with contract drawings and specifications. The contractor will be allowed to start on the next phase on the next Monday after turn over of the area to the VA.

84. Existing Exhaust and Return ducts are not shown on the demo plans. Please provide plans showing the existing exhaust and return ducts.

Existing exhaust and return ducts serving the spaces in the scope of work can be found on MD-205I

85. Does all of the equipment on the roof (existing) meet the engineers design specifications, materials and capacities? Please provide a list indicating which equipment does and does not meet the design specifications, etc. If it does not, please provide information to show how/where it is lacking.

The mechanical equipment currently installed on the roof meets the design parameters, however since the project was left unfinished and the equipment has not been operated, verification is required by the contractor. Changes and modifications are noted on MH-206.

86. All the structural drawings are dated 1/20/2017 and labeled “For Reference”. The General Notes on S2.01 lists

(E) Existing, (N) New. None of the work is labeled (N). Please clarify scope on structural drawings.

The mechanical equipment currently installed on the roof meets the design parameters, however since the project was left unfinished and the equipment has not been operated, verification is required by the contractor. Changes and modifications are noted on MH-206.

87. RFI Response 3 in Amendment 2 lists work hours on roof at 7:30am to 4pm and work above the OR from 3pm

– 11pm. Drawing GC-102 General Note #9 lists work hours as 6am – 6pm.

The work hours for this project is shown in RFI Response 3 in Amendment 2. Delete Drawing GC-102 General Note #9

88. Provide Drawings AR-106 and AR-107 per Key Note #2 on GC-103.

AR-106 and AR-107 are omitted.

89. Will the VA consider extending the period of performance from 365 days? A more realistic schedule is 8 weeks each for Phases 1 and 2, 11 weeks for each OR and 22 weeks for OR 7 (these include 2 weeks to transfer space), 4 weeks for Phase 11 and 4 weeks for steam work which looks like a 2 year duration.

No, the stated period of performance is 365 days.

90. Drawing EP 003 Remodel Keynotes 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 say the contractor is to verify in field whether or not certain electrical equipment, conduit, and cable have been installed. These items cannot be verified without opening distribution panels or ATSs. Please provide a list of completed work and what is incomplete from the previous contractor.

Location of the mechanical equipment along with relevant circuit home runs is shown on mechanical and/or electrical roof plans. Relevant panels are located on plans as well. Feeder conduit/wiring are clearly indicated on single line sheet EP-003. Contractor is required to field verify installation per drawings prior to bid.

91. How are other GCs expected to know where the terminated contractor left off on all items in scope of work? Site walks do not allow the same level of knowledge as the contractor that started the project. Is the terminated contractor allowed to re-bids the project? If so, they will have an unfair bidding advantage.

The terminated contractor is not prohibited from bidding on this project

92. Drawing MH 007, Existing Air handling Unit Schedule, Remark 2, references a DDC controller for existing AC-74A and AC-74B. Please clarify if this Remark applies to this project and if any of the existing AC units require new DDC controls, sensors, valves or wiring.

Yes, this remark applies to this project. Contractor to verify the working order of the installed DDC controls and complete any necessary installation.

93. Drawing MH 007, Existing Exhaust fan, Remark 5 states that the equipment has been installed. Please clarify if new DDC is required for this equipment and if any of the motorized dampers or sensors are required per MH- 405 Exhaust Fans Controls Diagram.

Yes, this remark applies to this project. Contractor to verify the working order of the installed DDC controls and complete any necessary installation.

94. Drawing MH-405, Air Cooled Chiller shows two Automatic Motorized Control Isolation valves. Are these valves existing or are they required of this project?

These valves are installed. Contractor to verify correct size and confirm operation.