Answer to Questions.docx

Questions 36C25923R0113 Install Continuous Water Monitoring

1. The RFP mentions that wireless temperature monitoring is accepted and preferred in building R. Can a wireless system also be used in the other buildings as long as it ties into the BAS system? Wireless temperature sensors have been used successfully at other VA locations for similar applications. Yes, a wireless solution would be acceptable in other locations if the expected battery life of the sensors exceeds five years.

2. According to VHA Directive 1061(1) as amended as of 9/26/22: Appendix A (2.c.2.a) of the directive requires temperature AND disinfectant monitoring at the distal locations. However, this RFP only requires temperature monitoring. Should the RFP be amended to also require disinfectant monitoring at all locations where the temperature is being monitored? See amended scope of work. The revised scope adds two additional representative remote monitoring points for biocide on domestic cold water, one on Level 3 Interstitial Building H and one on Level 3 Interstitial in Building K.

3. For the incoming water monitoring units, why are chlorine AND chlorine dioxide being monitored? Is the city using both disinfectants? This would be highly unusual. Or, are you anticipating using secondary disinfection which would put a second disinfectant into the water? The city adds chlorine, and the hospital adds chlorine dioxide.

4.The RFP documents include (2) two Solicitations, one dated 10/16/23 and the 2nd dated 10/27/23.

Originally the pre-solicitation had response date for proposals 11/30 extension to December 8th 2023, before 10 AM, MT updated in the Solicitation

5.Which Solicitation Document should be used for this RFP? The one that says Solicitation with ID 36C25923R0113 in Sam.GOV with due date for bids December 8th, 2023, posted on 11/27/23 with 16 attachments regarding VAAR Clause 852.236-71.

Attachments

6.The Construction Drawings for Building Q are not labeled “As-Built”, however these drawings do not specifically note new work to be completed.

0. Please confirm the Electrical & Plumbing Plans for Building Q are “As-Built” drawings, no new work is specified on these drawings. All drawings originally provided were intended to show As-built condition. They did not include any project specific requirements.

7.The Solicitation SOW lists areas where temperature monitoring of the pipe surface is to be performed but these locations are not depicted on the Contract Drawings.

0. Please indicate the desired locations of the temperature sensors on the included “As-Built” drawings. See attached redlined as-built drawings with sensor locations indicated.

8.The Solicitation SOW lists areas where Pressure, Chlorine Dioxide, Free Chlorine, and pH monitoring is required but these locations are not depicted on the Contract Drawings.

a. Please indicate the desired locations of these sensors on the included “As-Built” drawings. See redlined as-built drawings with sensor locations indicated.

b.

c. Please indicate where the new multi-parameter monitoring systems are to be located on the provide As-Built Drawings. See redlined as-built drawings with monitoring system locations indicated.

9.The Solicitation SOW states, “In Building L, provide new or upgrade existing system to provide biocide, corrosion control, pH, conductivity, and turbidity monitoring of the cooling tower (condenser) water.”

d. Please provide “As-Built” drawings of Building L. Pictures of the existing system were provided in lieu of as-built drawings since they do not have required level of detail.

10.The Solicitation SOW states, “In Building L, provide new or upgrade existing system to provide biocide, corrosion control, pH, conductivity, and turbidity monitoring of the cooling tower (condenser) water.” Product Data Sheets for an ATi Q52 MetriNet was included with the Solicitation Documents.

e. Does the VA desire a “New” chemical monitoring/feed system or is “Upgrading The Existing System” their intent? Components of the existing system can be reutilized in a new system that meets the requirement. The ATi Q52 MetriNet system is not applicable to the condenser water monitoring and treatment system required for Building L.

11.Who is the VA’s current Chemical Treatment Service Contractor? ChemTreat is the current service provider.

12.The Solicitation SOW states “WQMS in Buildings H, K, Q, and R shall be ATi Q52 MetriNet or equivalent”.

f. Please confirm a separate WQMS is to be installed in each of these buildings. Confirmed. Note: amended SOW adds two new monitoring systems for a total of six. The two added systems are four-parameter, different than the four eight-parameter systems in the original scope.

g. Please designate the location of these systems on the corresponding As-Built Drawings. See redlined as-built drawings with monitoring system locations indicated.

13.The Solicitation SOW states “Hot water sampling shall require a sample cooler. See supporting documents for details.” Supporting documents for a sample cooler were not provided with the Solicitation Documents.

h. Please provide the supporting documents for the required Sample Cooler. See spec sheet for acceptable sample cooler attached.

14.The Solicitation SOW states, “Network cables for communications to be run from nearest telecom room.” However, the location of the new WQMS or the “nearest telecom room” are not shown on the provided drawings.

a. Please notate the location of the WQMS and nearest telecom room on the Contract Drawings. See redlined as-built drawings with telecom locations indicated.

b.

15. During the Site Visit it was mentioned that a drain system will be required for the multi-parameter monitoring systems, however a waste and vent design was not provided with the Construction Documents.

c. Please provide a Waste and Vent design for each required monitoring station. Design not required. Installation must comply with plumbing code.

16.During the Site Visit of Building R, it was mentioned that the preferred wireless temperature monitoring system must be battery powered, no new electrical power required in building R.

d. Please confirm all new devises and monitoring station/system are to be battery powered, no new electrical requirements in Building R. Confirmed.

17.During the Site Visit it was mentioned that new sensors for the monitoring system at the DHWS and DCWS would have to be performed as a “Hot Tap”, no water shutdowns will be allowed.

e. Please confirm sensor installations at the Building Entry on both DHWS and DCWS must be performed as a “Hot Tape”, no water shutdowns will be allowed. Confirmed.

18.The Solicitation SOW states, “A wireless temperature monitoring system with front end connected to the BAS is acceptable and preferred in Building R.”

f. Can a wireless system also be used in the other buildings, as long as it ties into the BAS system? See answer to Question #1 above.

19.According to VHA Directive 1061(1) as amended as of 9/26/22: Appendix A (2.c.2.a) of the directive requires temperature AND disinfectant monitoring at the distal locations. However, this RFP only requires temperature monitoring.

g. Should the RFP be amended to also require disinfectant monitoring at all locations where the temperature is being monitored? See answer to Question #2 above.

20.The Solicitation SOW requires “Pressure, Chlorine Dioxide, Free Chlorine, and pH monitoring from Water Quality Monitoring System (WQMS) at the Building Entry on both DHWS and DCW.”.

h. Why are chlorine AND chlorine dioxide being monitored?

i. Is the VA using both disinfectants?

j. Are you anticipating using a secondary disinfection, which would put a second disinfectant into the water? See answer to Question #3 above.

21.Specification Section 01 35 26, Paragraph D states “The SSHO or an equally-qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-6: Superintendence by the Contractor”.

k. Can the Superintendent also perform the duties of the SSHO? Yes.

22.Specification Section 01 45 00 references a “CQC System Manager”.

l. Can the Superintendent also perform the duties of the CQC System Manager? Yes

23. Can you provide overall piping plans of each building showing the desired location for each device. See redlined as-built drawings showing device locations.

24.At each location can you provide the pipe size and material. Pipe size is indicated on as-built drawings. Material is copper type L.

25. We would like a piping detail/ diagram for the WQMS installation.

a. Note for a hot water sample cooler… please provide selection/ spec. and include necessary piping in diagram/ detail. An example of an acceptable sample cooler spec sheet is attached.

b. Upon review of IOM there appear to be additional installation components/ options and we want to make sure we understand what is desired.

i. PRV, solenoid valve, Pressure sensor upstream of PRV… etc.

Install WQMS to per manufacturer’s installation instructions. The domestic water pressure is 75 psig at the Service Level.

26. Please verify that no shutdowns are allowable. a. All new taps are to be hot taps…

i. Note there could be limitations depending on pipe sizes and materials.

Confirmed.

27. Please verify that no flushing/ sanitation is required upon completion of work. Wetted components must be sanitized prior to installation and flushed with water after installation.

28. Please verify that all work is to occur during a standard 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Yes, this project can be performed during normal working hours.

29. Provide new piping spec. In lieu of any spec, we will provide all new piping as 1/4” CU – type L, are press fittings acceptable. Sample tubing can be copper or stainless. Swaged fittings are acceptable on sample tubing. Press fittings are not allowed. ¼” sample tubing is acceptable if protected from accidental impacts and supported properly. Drain lines must comply with plumbing code.

30.Can you provide the ICRA level of containment we will need for this project. If the level is at a level three, we then will need the hard wall containment, Antiroom setup, negative air measured and documented, and all air from HEPA air movers will need to be exhausted to the exterior of the building. This will impact the cost significantly if this is required. Please provide the ICRA level that the VA and infectious control decide on for this project. This is Category B work in Low Risk areas. Therefore, the ICRA class is II.

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