RFI answers.docx

1. In the RFP document, Instructions, Conditions, and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, paragraph I.4A Selection Criteria, under Factor 1 – Past Performance the definition of Recency is listed as “a completed project is defined as being completed within the last five years of the due date of this solicitation.” Would the VA please consider changing this definition to the past seven (7) years? The VA will extend past performance to up to 7 years.

2. Does the VA have a desired start date in mind? Last week of the first of May or end of May

3. Please confirm that the provided specs (for project 442-22-009) do not need to be adjusted since the project number was changed in amendment #1 to 442-23-009, if so please provide new specifications. The correct specifications had been provided for 442-22-009, the wrong plans had been submitted.

4. On page F4, Room Finish Notes #13 indicates the window coverings are contractor provided and installed however keynote #9 on F2 indicates the window treatment blinds will be provided by the VA. Please clarify who will be providing this material. The contractor is to provide and install new window treatments.

5. On page F1, keynote #5 indicates the artwork is owner provided however the SOW indicates this is contractor furnished. This is typically an FFE item and is not typically purchased by the contractor. Due to the length of time it takes to for a package to go through contracting, the bidder or offeror is to provide new artwork with gallery locks, cleats, hardware and hang in locations identified by COR/Interior Designer (approximately 36 pieces of framed or lithograph photos with offsets). Refer to Great American art cutsheet attached for basis of design.

6. Please advise the size and location of the 1 ea. Access panel indicated in the spec. 08 31 13 The access panel is not in this project. The project had been descoped before submitting to contracting. The access panel is not in any of the corridors of the project, so it is no longer required.

7. The plans call for 500LF of handrail/crash rail and wall bumpers to be retained however the SOW calls for 250LF. Please confirm 250LF is the desired quantity. The project originally had been larger, and it had been de-scoped. The amount of LF is correct, but the wrong plans had been provided. The retention of the crash rail and handrail will not be required.

· D1 general notes indicate that Acrovyn/wall paper is to be removed, however it is not clear where this requirement is but appears to be shown in C2-01C and Elevator Lobby C2-03C. These locations are not indicated on F1. Please confirm the locations in corridors C2-01C and elevator lobby C2-03C need to have the wall coverings removed and if so should new wall protection be installed? Please confirm no Acrovyn will need to be removed from C2-02C. Yes, the Acrovyn will need to be removed in C2-03 and C2-01C. Accent/wainscot paint from FF to mid handrail/crash rail height (paint color 2) and a separate field paint from mid handrail to ceilings (paint color 1). All walls to be properly prepped, painted corner to corner. Everything to be removed off walls.

8. D2 keynote #3 calls for If Acrovyn to be demo’d, in order to properly do this it will require new drywall, framing, etc. which will significantly impact the scope of work. Is it acceptable to install new Acrovyn over existing where the plans call for this item to be demo’d? There is no new Acrovyn to be installed. We are trying to get away from the area looking institutional. Since there are no patient beds that will be wheeled down the hall there is less chance of the walls being banged or dinged. We are working for the space to be more inviting.

9. The door schedule and locations do not match, I have attached a floor plan with some mark ups. Please clarify any additional locations on the floor plans. Doors for B2-141 and B2-142 are not part of the project, as they are the portion of the project that got descoped.

10. In the RFP it states that we have to do all the work after hours. This is becoming a real issue of contention with all of our subcontractors. Is there any way we could do this work during normal work hours? Unfortunately, we do not have alternative locations for Staff and Veteran Care during the project, so most of the work will have to be done during business hours.

11. Can new flooring/wall base be performed during regular business hours in addition to weekends? Weekend work will be considered, but no work is to be done during business hours.

12. For bidding purposes, would the owner/GC give an estimate on the amount of phases the project will require? There is only one phase the Mental Health Corridors.

13. The bid documents wage rates do not include "soft floor layer". Please clarify.

Please submit SF 1444 for clarification

14. Please clarify the VAMC's covid protocols. The contractors are not required to wear surgical masks in work areas after business hours. Surgical Masks are required if the contractor is on-site during regular business hours and if they are not in the Work Area.

15. Where is the site staging going to be located? Room D2-68 or another room near a stairwell be provided for staging.

16. Please provide copies of the LBP Survey and the asbestos reports mentioned in the statement of work, page 7 or 64. See Survey provided.

17. Please provide elevations of the corridor finishes, kitchen and MH admin desk as well as section views of the cabinet/desk. If details cannot be provided please provide pictures of existing so that the correct information can be provided to those bidding and unable to attend a site walk. The floor plan and elevation for the new kitchen has been provided. See additional construction drawing. See photos provided

18. The extent of work is unclear, specifically anything north of Gridline C on F1. Please advise if new flooring, wall protection, painting, etc. is required in corridor C2-01C and C2-02C (North of C). F1 appears to not include these locations but F4 has them listed with new finishes. Corridor C2-02C is the start of the finishes. Corridor 2-01C was descoped from the project.

19. The specified handrail is plastic however parts of the hospital have the same model but with a wood finish. Please confirm plastic is acceptable (per model number provided) at all locations or if wood should be used where currently existing. *If the response to the above question is no work is required at C2-01C then this question can be disregarded). The new handrail is a PVC free material in a solid color. The wood finish will be slowly be phased out withing the facility.

20. Are there any as-built or other documents to help determine the wall types and materials used in the areas being worked on ? Due to not having reliable As-builts in electronic form the site visits were set up to answer any questions on existing conditions. Much of the wall types are pre-cast concrete with plaster.

21. Are tamper resistant screws, caulking, etc. required? yes

22. Does the VA have any information about blocking in place where the handrail and cabinets are being installed? See attachment for kitchen elevations. Base cabinets only. See attachment for wall protection.

23. B2-141 and B2-144 are listed on the door schedule, these are not in the area of work shown on the drawings. Please confirm if they are indeed required. Doors B2-141 and B2-144 are not required.

24. Is the VA willing to allow portions of the corridors to be shut down for days at a time to increase the productivity and/or use typical work hours? Specifically areas which only have offices or other non-essential activities occurring. It has been difficult finding subs willing to bid the work due to these requirements. This Service Department is one of the busiest at the VA and there are no other areas of the VA to move the Service temporarily. The Service has expressed they cannot close down during business hours.

25. Can VA provide photos of each area since they were not allowed? Question does not specify what photos. However, photos provided

26. Corridor C2-02C, in the area of the bridge that connects one building to the other, there is a crack in one of the junctions, is this an expansion joint or could you clarify what it is? This is where one building ties into another and is an expansion joint. The crack will need to be caulked and painted. No repair needed at this time.

27. One drawing calls out for VA provided blind to be installed and on another drawing it calls out for contractor provided blinds to be installed. The contractor is to provide and install new window treatments.