S05 - RFIs and Responses.docx

Project: 666-22-117 Replace Building 9 Stairs and ADA Ramp Sheridan, WY RFI’s Solicitation: 36C25923R0003

1) If the Gov awards the project in January or February, will we be able to get an administrative NTP until the ground thaws?

A: An Administrative Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be considered, however, the length of the Administrative NTP will be decided after the contract has been awarded.

2) The way drawing number A-001 is noted they have expansion joint at many of the contraction JT locations such as the sidewalk and landings, is this actually what the Government wants or is it mislabeled?

A: Expansion joints shall be placed as needed for controlled cracking of surfaces. Contractor may submit alternate locations to those shown to achieve this goal, if desired.

Follow radiant tubing manufacturer specific requirements for expansion joints.

3) Is the HVAC contractor going to handle all of the control work associated with the new system? If so, will the electrician need to provide any conduits or raceways?

A: The VA will not dictate who the contractor has providing the required conduits or raceways for controls and electrical needs.

4) Are we to assume that existing circuits can be re-used for the new equipment?

A: Yes, if determined that existing system is functional and not damaged. Yes, and provide additional as required.

5) Are we able to power the HWP Controller from panel 9-B2 in Mechanical Room 108 instead of panel 9-B1E that is located in the hallway?

A: Either panel may be used if it is determined to have the capability to operate the upgraded system.

6) How is the brick face shown on the elevation being handled? It is not depicted on details; it does not look like there is a brick ledge in structural concrete for it.

A: Brick face to be applied using standard masonry techniques, contractor to submit options.

7) What is the incoming steam pressure on the steam supply in RM 108? Is PRV-1 required?

A: The steam pressure is currently 11 psig. PRV-1 is dependent upon heat exchanger selected.

8) Where would you like the outdoor air temperature sensor for the snowmelt located?

A: In the shade, and a minimum of 3 feet above finished grade.

9) Drawing # A-001 Has the chain link fence called out as an alternate, the bid schedule asks for base price only, there is no line item for an Alternate, are we to eliminate the fence?

A: Deductive Alternate, to be removed if bids exceed budgeted funding.

A: See updated Bid Schedule in Amendment 2

10) Will the approved handrail drawings for Bldg.5 Ramp be acceptable for Bldg.9 Ramp?

A: Handrail drawings will need to be submitted specifically for building 9 project layout with accurate dimensions and details included.

11) Are there any specifications for the handrails other than meeting ADA and Barrier Free requirements?

A: Only that they should aesthetically match the other building handrails (Color, style).

12) Reference drawing 8 of 8, alternate drawing note: Contractor to prepare and install landscaping for approximately 650SF area. Weed blocking fabric, plants, ground cover, decorative steppingstones, to be included.

a. The price schedule does not include an alternate line item, please provide a revised price schedule.

A: See updated Bid Schedule in Amendment 2

b. Please provide a list and quantity for the plants and ground cover A:Contractor to prepare plans as stated on landscaping sheet and in SOW, to be approved by VA staff.

c. Please provide a basis of design for the decorative steppingstones A: access to interior parts of the garden space not accessible from the edges for tending to the plants and garden contents.

13) Reference drawing 7 of 8 keyed notes: Approximate electrical panel location:

a. Please confirm the electrical panel is existing A: Existing in corridor and inside the room where ice melt system is located. Either panel may be used if it is determined to have the capability to operate the upgraded system to be installed.

14) Reference drawing 4 of 8 keyed note 2: Ramp and stair installation to follow ADA and VA barrier free design standards.

a. Please confirm the ramp has been designed to follow ADA and VA barrier free standards

A: Contractor shall confirm that layout conforms to ADA and VA Barrier free standards.

b. If not, please provide the ADA and VA barrier design standards

i. ADA and Barrier Free design standards available from the location below and other government websites as stated in SOW.

ii. TIL Catalog - Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov)

15) Will the VA be responsible for utility locates?

A: No, as stated in the SOW, Contractor to provide own utility locates.

16) Please provide a material specification for the new handrailing

A: Contractor to design Handrail per VA Barrier Free and ADA requirements (more restrictive shall govern) and plan layout and shall be submitted to VA as a part of the regular submittal process.

17) Please confirm that the railing design in the drawings matches the surrounding building handrails. At the site visit contractors were told to match building 5’s handrail.

A: Railing is to be designed specifically for building 9 Per ADA and Barrier free requirements as indicated prior, in SOW, and drawings provided. No indication was given at walk through that this project was to match any other building except for General aesthetics (color, basic style) which should be relatively consistent. All handrail design and specs shall be submitted for approval as a part standard submittal process.

18) When is the anticipated start date for this project?

A: Start dates will be considered per site conditions, which may mean starting once we have appropriate weather conditions.

19) Reference specifications page 6 of 378: Additional drawings are listed on page 6 of the specifications, please confirm these drawings are not part of this project. If the drawings are, please provide them.

A: Drawings listed on this sheet are NOT a part of this project.

20) Please confirm there are no plantings for the memorial garden.

A: as per SOW and plans (L-001) :

Alternates:

Bid alternate shall be provided as deductive standalone bid prices. Alternates, if need be, will be removed from the base bid starting with Alternate #2 to Alternate #1 until the VA reaches a price that will meet the project budget Alternate Number 2:

“Contractor to provide complete installation of landscape plans for the Memorial Gardens designated area to include plants and foliage, steppingstones for approval by the Sheridan station staff.”