Pre Bid RFIs - 18-416.pdf

Project #623-16-101 Upgrade Chiller Plant Pre-Bid RFIs

September 21, 2021

Pre-Bid RFIs:

1. Obligee's Address: We understand that the original bid bond must be mailed to the Cheyenne, WY address featured on Page 15 of the solicitation. However, what address should be listed as the "Obligee's address" when requesting the bid bond: the Greenwood Village, CO address featured in box 7 of the SF 1442, or the Cheyenne, WY address?

a. As far as Obligee’s address goes, you can use either address. The NCO 19 address is the central contracting address. However, for simplicity, you may use the address in box 7 for the obligee’s address.

2. Time Zone: The solicitation states in multiple places that the RFP is due at 2:00 PM Central Time.

However, both Greenwood Village, CO and Cheyenne, WY are in the Mountain Time Zone.

Please confirm if the offeror is to go by the Central Time Zone or the Mountain Time Zone for RFP submission.

a. The time zone is the one for Muskogee and done for the convenience of the Jack C.

Montgomery VAMC. Please use what is listed in the RFP.

3. Past Performance Questionnaires: We understand that we can submit CPARS Evaluations, in lieu of PPQs, if available. However, in cases where CPARS Evaluations are not available, is it permissible to submit previously completed PPQs from other RFP submissions? We have noticed, in some cases, that the representatives who were actively involved in the project are no longer able to provide new PPQs because they have either moved on to other agencies, or have retired.

a. Please ensure that past performance information meets the specifications in the instructions to offerors and includes individuals that may be reached for verification purposes. If individuals cannot be reached, we will be unable to verify the past performance information, and as such, will be noted as such in the evaluation.

4. AD101 keynote 1 states to remove any objects from the slab floor that are not secured to the slab. Does this note mean all furniture and miscellaneous equipment? Can these floor objects be called out to get an accurate gauge of what it is that will need to be moved for flooring installation?

a. GC to coordinate with the VA COR to include cost for moving tool boxes, which are on wheels, ladders and misc. other equipment when proceeding from one phase of work to another. See attached photos for a description of the items to be moved. The equipment to be temporarily removed in the engineering office is the responsibility of the VA. Coordinate with the VA in advance of any work in this room.

5. Can the VA provide an asbestos/hazardous materials survey from the existing building?

a. The VA does not have a asbsestos/hazardous material survey for the Chiller Plant Bldg.

The area was given a lower survey priority given the construction date, and it is not believed that there is asbestos or other hazardous materials.

6. Specification 01 35 26 – Please confirm if it is the intent of the government to designate a full time Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) throughout the course of construction. The SSHO cannot perform any other duties on the project.

a. Please see question 35

7. Specification 01 45 00 – Please confirm that it is the intent of the government to designate a full time Construction Quality Control Representative (CQC) throughout the course of construction. The CQC cannot perform any other duties on the project.

a. Please see questions 35,40 for clarification on CQC

8. Specification 01 91 00 – Will the successful offeror be required to hire a Commissioning Agent (Cx) or will the government provide a Cx Representative?

a. The general contractor is responsible for having the Commissioning team responsible for preparing all documentation, scheduling, and coordinating the commissioning activities. The government will provide the Independent Commissioning agent Independent Commissioning agent will be provided by the government, who will coordinate with the contractor’s commissioning team and verify/witness commissioning activities.

9. Please provide contact information for the current BAS Controls Company that services the Muskogee VAMC.

a. The existing controls system integrator working at VA Muskogee is Automated Building System Inc. (ABS controls at 10404 E. 55th PL Ste L, Tulsa, OK 74146 (Phone 918-665- 3974).

10. Please confirm that delegated hanger design will be required for this project.

a. All pipe supports will be delegated hanger design based on the site conditions.

11. Please confirm the Government intended to include a ten (10) year motor, transmission, compressor warranty, including materials, parts, and labor - in addition to the ten (10) year warranty for all controls and Variable Speed Drives, including materials, parts, and labor. (re: 23 64 00 1.4).

a. Please confirm that this extended warranty (years 2-10) will be executed by the government and equipment manufacturer after the one (1) year standard warranty is completed by the successful offeror (FAR 52.246.21 Warranty of Construction).

1. Yes, in addition to the original 1-year warranty, please provide an additional, extended 10-year warranty.

b. If the government will require the successful offeror to manage this warranty, it would result in the construction contract between the Government and Contractor remaining open for ten (10) years. Not to mention the contractor would need to have a bond open for ten (10) years, builders risk policy open for ten (10) years. This means the Government wants the Contractor to handle all warranty for labor/parts for the VSD, compressor, and motor as well? The Contractor will not be operating the chiller. The Government is also assuming that many of the GC’s bidding this project will still be in business in ten (10) years. Please provide clarity.

1. Yes, the successful offeror shall manage this warranty for the first year. After the first year, the manufacturer's warranty shall be transferred from the contractor to the VA for the remainder of the 10 years.

c. If the Government absolutely must include this requirement, we ask that the Government request breakout pricing (via CLIN) for this portion of the project. Many GCs are not set up to be service companies.

1. Yes

12. Solicitation (page 14 of 65)– Factor 2.A.c – Short Schedule. In submitting a ‘Short Schedule’ who will own all of the Float? The contractor or the government?

a. As the schedule is submitted by the contractor, the contractor owns the float.

13. Specification 21 31 31 paragraph 2.1B.7 - Pipe material for piping on roof, outside exposed to weather and within cooling tower shall be stainless steel instead of black steel. Does this include all piping that is insulated? In addition will this be required for drain lines?

a. Division-21 is applicable to fire sprinkler piping only.

14. Specification 21 31 31 paragraph 2.1B.7 - Pipe material for piping on roof, outside exposed to weather and within cooling tower shall be stainless steel instead of black steel. Inside of cooling tower will PVC piping be allowed in lieu of stainless steel?

a. PVC piping is not permitted. All piping within cooling tower will be stainless steel.

15. EP-101: Note 3 – Provide detail for the tap box and chiller connections.

a. Intention was for the bus duct to the chillers to transition to a cable connection at the chillers. Basis of design for tap box:

https://www.se.com/us/en/product/CF2512GETBMB/end-tap-box---i-line---1200a---4w- --cu---bolt---29.14x11.00x28.00in/?range=7550-i-line-busway&node=12368066427-fittings&selected-node-id=12368066427&filter=business-4-low-voltage-products-and-systems Equal products will also be considered.

16. EP-101: Note 4 – Provide clarification on the dashed section of the new buss duct.

a. There isn’t a difference between the hatched and un-hatched sections of busduct please provide both

17. E-603: Note 1 – Will the current medium voltage feeders be long enough for the new substations?

a. Medium voltage substations need to be ordered to fit over the cables. Incoming section to be customized at the factory to utilize existing terminations to connect to the switchgear.

18. E-603: Note 5 – Please provide more information on existing gear to supply new 110A breaker.

a. Existing board is a square D QED switchboard catalog number 10502148-007

19. E-603: Note 8 – Provide 600v 1200a pad mounted fusible disconnect for future temporary chiller. Is this being fed from the new 800a bus duct?

a. Plan set dated February 22, 2021 should be followed regarding disconnects. Two 600A disconnects should be provided. Bus duct rated for 800A is acceptable. Circuit breaker serving should be adjusted as part of the overcurrent protective study to limit ampacity below 800A/

20. E-603: Note 9 – Is the 800a new bus duct to be fed from the 1200a breakers?

a. All circuit breakers for the substations to be Adjustable Trip Molded Case Circuit Breakers as defined by the specifications. Long time adjustment will need to be adjusted to match the MCA of the chillers provided.

21. E-603: Note 11 – Please provide more information on existing gear to supply new 800a breaker.

a. Existing switchboard is a square D QED 4341328-A

22. E-701: The MOCP for the new chillers are 989.0A to be supplied with an 800a buss way fed from a 1200a breaker. Please clarify that this correct.

https://www.se.com/us/en/product/CF2512GETBMB/end-tap-box---i-line---1200a---4w---cu---bolt---29.14x11.00x28.00in/?range=7550-i-line-busway&node=12368066427-fittings&selected-node-id=12368066427&filter=business-4-low-voltage-products-and-systems https://www.se.com/us/en/product/CF2512GETBMB/end-tap-box---i-line---1200a---4w---cu---bolt---29.14x11.00x28.00in/?range=7550-i-line-busway&node=12368066427-fittings&selected-node-id=12368066427&filter=business-4-low-voltage-products-and-systems https://www.se.com/us/en/product/CF2512GETBMB/end-tap-box---i-line---1200a---4w---cu---bolt---29.14x11.00x28.00in/?range=7550-i-line-busway&node=12368066427-fittings&selected-node-id=12368066427&filter=business-4-low-voltage-products-and-systems https://www.se.com/us/en/product/CF2512GETBMB/end-tap-box---i-line---1200a---4w---cu---bolt---29.14x11.00x28.00in/?range=7550-i-line-busway&node=12368066427-fittings&selected-node-id=12368066427&filter=business-4-low-voltage-products-and-systems

a. The basis of design chiller used for the design was York: YZ-MA079BV075P078HA. The 750 Ton chiller has an FLA of 565 amps, an MCA of 705A and an MOCP of 989 Amps. The 1200A breaker feeding the 800A bus duct will work. 1200A to have adjustable trip and be set per the overcurrent study. Contractor would be responsible for up-sizing feeders or breakers if the parameters of the selected chiller exceed the parameters established in the basis of design.

23. Control Conduits – Will there be any new control conduit or reworking of existing conduits for the new equipment? (Ref. 23 09 23-3 Responsibility Table)

a. All control conduits for chillers, filters, chemical feeder, heat exchanger and associated pumps will be new.

b. Control conduits for primary and secondary chilled water pumps will be new.

c. Controls conduits for exhaust fans and louvers/dampers-existing conduits can be reused with rework, provided they meet the requirements and are in good conditions.

24. 26 05 13 – Medium-Voltage Cables – All medium voltage cables are “ETR”. Please clarify if any new cable is to be pulled.

a. Medium voltage substations need to be ordered to fit over the cables. Incoming section to be customized at the factory to utilize existing terminations to connect to the switchgear.

25. 26 05 33 – 1.2 Related work F Section 31 20 00 Earthwork, “bedding of conduits”. Please clarify, all work seems to be above grade.

a. That is correct. Below grade conduits not anticipated

26. Is specification 26 29 11 required in spec package since we are removing (2) MCCs and not replacing them?

a. Correct no new MCC’s will be supplied under this project.

27. Will a tax-exempt certificate be provided by the VA for this project?

a. Yes

28. Does the VA have a preferred Fire Protection Company for the Fire Suppression work listed for the FX drawings?

a. Yes, the contractor must be qualified to install the fire suppression updates that is compatible with the Facility-specific existing Fire Detection Company.

29. Does the VA have a preferred Chemical company that they are presently using for their chemical feed water application?

a. The VA and AE does not have a preference on Chemical company. Please use a chemical company that can meet the specifications.

30. We will need to use the area in front of the Chiller Plant to set up the Crane for all of the equipment removal and setting in place. What hours can this be work be scheduled for during construction?

a. The crane cannot be operated during duty hours (typically 7a-5p CST, Monday through Friday).

31. Please provide a Basis of Design for the potential purchase of the Temporary Chiller?

a. The design intent is to have temporary chiller on rental basis.

b. The expected cooling tonnage capacity of the chiller is 500 Tons. Please refer to drawing

G-002 for Phasing Plan.

32. Can we get the weights for the existing Chillers and Cooling Towers in order to provide a more accurate Crane proposal? If not weights, can we get the model numbers of the existing Chillers and Cooling Towers?

a. Cooling Tower is Marley – ZVF 324 TTFS7258AN W; Service P/N B15004/25760

b. Largest Chiller is Trane CVHE 910 (900 nominal tons)

33. On M-60, Fan Schedule, we did not notice a manufacturer listed. What is the Basis of Design for the desired Fans SF-1 and EF-2 & EF3, EF-4, EF-5 &EF-6 and lastly EF-7?

a. The Basis of Design for fans is Greenheck.

34. Bid alternates listed in the drawings and specs differ from the solicitation price sheet. Which one should contractors refer too?

a. Please use Bid schedule to provide pricing for this solicitation.

35. Can the Site Superintendent also fulfil the role of SSHO as long as he/she meets the qualifications?

a. It is the VA and AE’s preference that the SSHO should be reserved to separate, dedicated role (who is not also the superintendent) .

36. Can the Site Superintendent also fulfill the role of CQC System Manager as long as he/she meets the qualifications?

a. The site superintendent may also fulfill the role of CQC system manager if they meet the qualifications.

37. AG001 details requirements for temporary roof. Please provide a specification or detail on the requirements for this.

a. The temporary roof reference is for the construction time period between the removal of the existing chiller and equipment, and the installation of the new chiller and equipment. The GC shall patch the openings in the roof with a system that matches the existing roof per the roof manufacturers recommended practices for patching. The gravel shall be removed around the size of the roof penetration, per the roofing manufacturers recommended distance, and a temporary patch shall be installed to close up the opening. The entire roof is being replaced at the completion of the chiller installation.

38. Please clarify which specialized QC personnel from the experience matrix in spec 01 45 00 – 7 are applicable to this project?

a. CQC System Manager is an individual within the onsite work organization that is responsible for the overall management of Control Quality (CQ) and has the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. These individuals or specified technical companies are directly employed by the General Contractor and cannot be employed by a supplier or subcontractor on this project. A single person can cover more than one area provided that the single person is qualified to perform QC activities. We recommend using someone with the ‘Mechanical” Experience Area. VA to confirm final requirement or variance to this quality control specification.

39. Please confirm the Commissioning Agent (CxA) is provided by the VA as detailed in the specification.

40. The ICRA requirements on Drawing G101 appear to be for another project and more applicable to work inside the medical center instead of a chiller/mechanical room. Please verify ICRA requirements if any.

a. The GC shall disregard the ICRA information found on G101. The GC shall consult with the Muskogee COR and Safety Director for minimal ICRA requirements that may be needed for inside and outside work. Portable ventilation equipment may be needed when working with products that have a high odor transmission rate like the epoxy resin floor installation. Reconnect the fire protection system connected to existing fire riser

41. Please confirm if any storage will be provided on-site for the contractor?

a. There is no site storage provided. Contractor to have bonded warehouse within specified miles from the site per sheet G-002.

42. May past performance of teaming partners be submitted as long as teaming agreement is provided?

a. Yes. As a reminder, all Joint Ventures must be registered, verified, and visible visible in Vetbiz and Sam. Gov.

43. Please confirm the number of employees required on site at all times (as employed by the offeror)

a. There is not an on site at all times minimum number of employees required on site. There is a requirement to have an OSHA 30hr. trained superintendent on site if employees are working for supervision and OSHA.

44. Please confirm the SSHO must be an employee of the Offeror

a. Please see question 38

45. Please confirm the CQC System Manager must be an employee of the Offeror

a. The requirement for QCQ System Manager is specified in Specification Section 01 45 00, Section B. supplied below:

CQC System Manager: Identify as CQC System Manager an individual within the onsite work organization that is responsible for overall management of CQC and has the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity at construction review. The CQC System Manger is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CDQC System Manager’s absence. The requirements for the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager.

The requirement does not state that the CQC System Manager by an employee of the offeror. Only the role and responsibilities as part of the onsite team.

46. Please confirm the CQC System Manager must have completed the United States Army Corps of Engineers CQM for Construction course

a. Yes. Please see specifications section 3.4(C)

47. Can the SSHO also perform the functions of the CQC System Manager?

a. Please see question36

48. Please confirm the contract will be awarded to the contractor with the best overall value to the government (not necessarily the lowest bidder)

49. Please provide the selection procedures with which the contracting officer will award the project to a bidder that is not low. Section I.2A SELECTION PROCEDURES states the SSA will award the project to the best “overall value to the government”, but does not provide any procedures for how this will be achieved

a. That information is stated in the Instructions to offerors. Please review the instructions to offerors for that information.

50. Please provide the metrics needed for the government to consider award to “other than the lowest priced offeror”. There are Definitions of confidence listed in the solicitation, as well as Definitions of adjectival ratings, however there is not indications of what rating is required to be achieved in order to receive award other than the lowest price offeror. For example, would the project be awarded to a contractor with "Satisfactory Confidence" and a “Good” proposal if these ratings are higher than the low bidder?

a. That information is stated in the Instructions to offerors. Please review the instructions to offerors for that information.

51. ICRA Plan G-101: Where is the ICRA Level III Containment intended to be required? The only architectural work that it would apply to is the upgrade to the finishes in the Engineering Office.

Is the intent to apply the Full Containment and HEPA Filtration to the entire chiller plant?

a. Please see revised sheet G-101 indicating limited ICRA requirements while working in the hospital for fire sprinkler system.

52. Phasing G-002: Is a generator powered temporary chiller required as stated? Will the contractor be allowed to tie into existing building emergency power?

a. Yes, please refer the phasing sequence indicated on sheet G-002. There will be instances when the minimum cooling capacity required to meet the campus demand is not met by existing chillers/new chiller combination. Hence there is need of temporary chiller.

Contractor is not permitted to connect temporary chiller to campus emergency power system.

53. M-506- DDC Controls: Is the contractor required to provide new front-end system or adding to the existing BAS system? A new front end would require an upgrade of components outside of this scope.

a. Design intent is not to upgrade existing front-end system. However, minimum upgrade of the front-end system is required to ensure new graphics and control points mapped to the system are active and operational.

54. Section 02 21 13 (Site Surveys) is included in the specifications for the Chiller Plant Upgrade Project. There is no mention of survey limits or extents in the rest of the document package. Is a survey required, and if so, to what extent does the VA expect the contractor to survey the property?

a. A survey is not required for the project. The survey specification would apply to methodology used for equipment location and as-built drawings as needed.

55. Key Note 1: Provide new unit substation as shown to replace existing 12.5 kv-4 15kv unit substation. Question: We cannot find any specific information of what is needing to be supplied and installed for this Key Note1. Can engineering provide part #s or basis of design for the items needed to accomplish this task?

a. This equipment is to be selected and submitted for approval and purchase to the A/E firm in accordance with the specifications and specifically Section 26 05 11, “Requirements for Electrical Installation” and Section 26 11 16, “Secondary Unit Substations”.

56. I’ve attached our equal equipment submittals, substitution request form and sheet E-001 for reference. Can we bid these items?

a. Every component is acceptable as long as it meets the requirements of the drawings and specs. In the case of lighting submittals, for example, light fixture manufacturer(s) and models specified in the LIGHTING FIXTURE SCHEDULE on Sheet E-001 of contract drawings are shown for “Basis of Design” (see General Note A). Contractor may provide “or equal” products for approval in the submittal process.