36C25918R0501-0002001.pdf

Question: Can the Superintendent, Safety Manager and QA/QC Manager all be the same person on this project?

Answer: No

Question: What are the sizes of the windows that need to be replaced with the 1 hr. rated glass?

Answer: The two lower windows have openings of 45”W x 50”H, the glass frames for double sash measure 42 ½”W x 24 ½”H. The upper window has an opening of 47 1/2”W x 75”H, the glass frames for double sash measure 43”W x 38”H. The dimensions are approximate for bidding purposes only.

Contractor responsible for field measurements.

Question: The Windows manufacturer stated that we cannot get the 1hr rated window glazing with wire reinforcement. Can the government provide a specifications as to what type of window they require?

Answer: The installation shall meet the requirements of a ‘Fire Resistant Barrier’ per National Electrical Code 2017 450.27(2). Provide product similar to ‘SAFTTIFIRST SuperLiteIW’ for fire and impact resistance rating.

Question: Can the government provide info on how the replaced windows are to function. The drawings state that the new windows need to function like the old replaced windows.

Answer: The windows are double hung sash with latches and locks. Contractor is responsible for field verification.

Question: Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

Answer: It is not sales exempt.

Question: Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required? 2 Forms of ID are required along with a completed application.

Answer: See Attached Contractor PIV Application. Fingerprinting is required and now it takes 2 weeks to process.

Question: Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

Answer: SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

E. Motor Vehicle Restrictions:

1. Vehicle authorization request shall be required for any vehicle entering the site and such request shall be submitted 24 hours before the date and time of access. Access shall be restricted to picking up and dropping off materials and supplies.

2. A limited number of (2 to 5) permits shall be issued for General Contractor and its employees for parking in designated areas only.

See Attached JCM VAMC MEDICAL CENTER MEMORANDUM 00-14/PARKING AND TRAFFIC

CONTROL REGULATIONS

The paragraph fields in the MCM for contractors have been highlighted. Unfortunately lot 10 is not available; only lot #9 and it also very limited due to other construction activities.

VA employees, contractors, subs and employees are required to park offsite at the VA leased parking located at the old Hatbox Airfield located 1 mile south of the facility.

Question: Will the government accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations.

Answer: If it requires loading a software program onto the VA network the answer is No, it is not on the listed / approved in the OIT VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) and is NOT compatible. If it works via the internet such as through Internet Explorer and opens an internet portal then possibly, depending on file types. It has not been used at this facility. I have been successful in using Submittal Exchange and NewForma Info Exchange to share PDF, Word DOC, AutoCAD and such.

Question: During construction in an area where the ceilings or fire suppression system will be disrupted, will NFPA 241 apply?

Answer: YES, per the CD Specification; SECTION 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS: E National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 241-2013 Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration and Demolition Operations.

Question: Will the government require additional security measures beyond NFPA code such as fire watch, temporary fire alarms, adjustments to sprinkler heads, etc.

Answer: The ILSM and Infection Control permit would determine such requirements.

Question: Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions?

Answer: Yes. This would be coordinated the COR but the Company that The VA utilizes at this time is ADVANCED, Oklahoma Branch Office, OK Lic #1890, 3158 S 108th E Ave, Ste 250, Tulsa, OK 74146 / POC Adam Winbury (918) 893-3444

Question: Has the work area been checked for asbestos? If so will the report be released?

Answer: The successful bidder will receive Asbestos Notification Memorandum to be signed.

Question: What is the Governments’ policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction?

Answer: If any suspect material is thought to contain asbestos the contractor is to notify the COR or VA SEMPS. The Government will pay for the testing and removal if required by a third-party asbestos contractor.

Question: Does the Government currently have a 3rd. party testing service for those items requiring testing or is the contractor free to locate and hire applicable testing firms?

Answer: Yes, see answer to question 8.

Question: Who is responsible for locating underground utility lines?

Answer: The contractor will be required to provide or hire that service. Please be aware that public locate companies will not provide services on VA property for free. Also note that the project is calling for hydro excavation for utility trenching for “C” Transformer.

Question: Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin.

Answer: In accordance with FAR 52.229-3, if a tariff is imposed after bid, the resulting contract amount may be increased by the amount of any after-imposed Federal tax if the Contractor certifies in writing that no amount for such newly imposed Federal excise tax or duty or rate increase was included in the contract price, as a contingency reserve or otherwise. Adversely, the contract amount may be decreased by the amount of any after-relieved tax.

Question: What is the level of infectious disease control rating for this site?

Answer: SECTION 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, 1.12 INFECTION CONTROL B. (excerpt) The primary project scope area for this project is: Class III, however, work outside the primary project scope area may vary. This will be also addressed during the Infection Control Permit process.

I had stated during the pre-bid meeting that TB screening is required. TB TEST IS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROJECT. Please read the project specifications.

Question: Outage scheduling cannot be scheduled during any normal hours of operation?

Answer: The Medical Center provides inpatient care and services 7/24, The Medical Center must maintain its operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Project will require careful coordination with the Medical Center for the electrical system shutdowns and cutover work. Electrical outages will require work to be scheduled for weekend, nights and holidays to minimize the impact to the operation of the facility. The contractor shall be prepared to provide temporary electrical power / cable feeders to facilitate the shortest possible outage durations to break and make crossover connections for work that affects critical, life safety and key equipment.

Question: Is it possible to extend the maximum duration of the scheduled outage based on existing condition or requirements?

Answer: It is a possibility with justification, depending on the impact to the services or function of the hospital. Also see answer to question 13.

Question: What is the length of time required for badging subcontractors?

Answer: See Answer to question #2.

Question: Confirm if there is space to put a dumpster on site. If there is no available space can we place a trailer on site.

Answer: This cannot be guaranteed. A trailer would be acceptable with conditions; it cannot be parked within 10 feet of the building exterior with any construction debris, impact fire lanes, loading dock access, roadways or parking. The trailer would need to be emptied on agreed schedule between the government and contractor.

Question: Will a layout yard be provided on site?

Answer: There is not a specific area due to other construction activities. The project includes work in different site locations on the campus and the government will work with the contractor for each location for the specific equipment be installed.

Question: Will the contractor be required to separate recycling material from debris/trash?

Answer: YES, and provide receipt documentation to COR.

Question: What is the length of time required for badging for the subcontractors?

Answer: See answer to question #15.

Question: Will hard walls be required for any of the ICRA requirements?

Answer: No, the work will occur in electrical or mechanical spaces and outdoors. If so how many, and specify where they will be located. Rooms 1E9-1 & 1E10-1 have doors that enter into one of the hospital corridors which may be sealed with masking tape applied over the frame and door, this would be acceptable because the work will be contained in a single room. The work that will be required in “C” wing crawl space will not require a barrier, but sticky mats or other means will be required at the Entrance / Exit door.

Question: If so please specify the items or nature of the abatement estimated quantity?

Answer: If this is regards to asbestos see answers to 7, 8 & 9.