Attachment 1 - Q_A.pdf

653-24-103 Replace Finishes B1AC D-Wing

QUESTIONS:

1. Spec. section 09 51 00-2.3A references section 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes. The Schedule is not filled out. Please clarify ceiling tile pattern, grid size and manufacturer you want for ceiling finishes.

a. Please refer to the revised specifications 09 06 00 (Attachment 3) for information requested.

2. Spec. section 09 91 00-3.11A references section 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes for color and gloss. The Schedule is not filled out. Please clarify what color and gloss and manufacturer you want. (IE. Sherman Williams, Rodda, etc.)

3. Does the contractor need to assume in order to meet NFPA 241 that the contractor will need to have fire watch, keep the sprinkler system intact during construction, or a 1-hour barrier (example: turn sprinkler heads to ceiling with upright heads and turn down with pendent heads after new ceiling is installed)? Meaning a judgement call by VA Roseburg safety is an unlikely option? Was this understood correctly at the site visit?

a. This is correct. To meet the requirements of NFPA 241 the contractor shall do one of those options.

4. General Note 7 states: Contractor is responsible for moving, removing, and reinstalling items against and on walls: At the site walk, it was noticed that there are sticker signs placed on walls.

a. Who is responsible for removing and replacing the sticker signs?

i. Do not remove.

b. Or would the VA like the contractor to cut around the stick-on signs?

i. Paint around the signs directly adhered to the wall.

5. In the spec finish schedule 09-06-00-3, it does not specify what ceiling tile/grid the VA would like to use. Can the VA please specify what grid and acoustical ceiling tile is needed on the project.

6. In the spec finish schedule 09-06-00-3&4, it does not specify what rubber base and vinyl sheet flooring the VA would like to use. Can the VA please specify what rubber base and vinyl sheet flooring is needed on the project.

7. At the site walk it was mentioned that a new OSHA code will require temporary fire sprinklers to cover the ceiling space above the existing acoustical ceiling once it is removed. Please confirm what will be required for temporary or permanent fire sprinkler modifications during construction.

a. This is an NFPA code not OSHA. To meet the requirements of NFPA 241 the contractor can keep a 24-hour fire watch, turn the sprinkler heads up and use upright heads, or build a 1-hour construction barrier.

8. What will the work schedule be in room D109 (agent cashier)?

a. At this time, it is anticipated that normal working hours will be available to work in this area.

9. Will the furniture be removed by the VA?

a. Per General Conditions Note 19, Sheet A-00: It is the contractor’s responsibility to move furniture from offices for work to be accomplished and to move furniture back after work is complete.

10. Will any items be left on the walls, or will they be removed by the VA?

a. Per General note 7 on A-01a through A-04c, it is the contractor’s responsibility for moving, removing, and reinstalling items against and on walls.

11. Specs 01 35 26 Safety Requirements 1.9 Inspections: B. A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with specialized knowledge in construction safety or a certified Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. The CSP or CSHT can be a corporate safety professional or independently contracted. The CSP or CSHT will provide their certificate number on the required report for verification as necessary. Question: Will this be required for this project? If yes, please what are the qualifications needed for a person to be a qualified as a CSP? Or how does a person become qualified?

a. The site superintendent with a 30-hour OSHA training certification can perform this responsibility.

12. It was mentioned at the site walk that the handrail in the corridor was to not be put back up once taken down to refinish wall. Please confirm what is to be done with the handrail?

a. The handrail should be removed and reinstalled.

13. What is the current Fire Alarm system used for 1AC D-Wing? Is this system used throughout the entire VA Hospital campos?

a. The fire alarm system is an Edwards Fire Alarm System and is used throughout the facility.

14. At the site walk it was stated that the Fire Sprinkler heads would have to be moved up or the contractor would have to have fire watch while the system is down. Please confirm and provide any other details pertaining to this. Are the sprinkler heads on a flex or are they fixed? How many inches/ft will they need to be moved up during demo?

a. The fire sprinklers will need to be within 12 inches of the structure above. Flexible whips can be used.

15. With the scope of work to demo the ACT, along with having to do fire sprinkler work, will the contractor need to have fire alarm contractor to come and reinstall fire alarm devices?

a. All the devices will need to be reinstalled in the same location.

16. Will there need to be any HVAC balance and testing once supply and returns are reinstalled?

a. No, testing and balancing will not be required.

17. At the site walk it was stated that when the new ACT ceiling is installed it could be installed a little lower in height minus ¼ - ½ for easier finishes and install. Will this be acceptable?

a. Yes, ¼” to ½” lower is acceptable.

18. In room D109 there are two fixed in place cabinets. Will the new flooring stop at the cabinets, or will the new flooring need to run underneath?

a. The flooring will stop at the cabinets.

19. According to the plans there are eleven rooms that are in the scope of work. Will the contractor have access to all the rooms at once or will these rooms need to be completed in stages?

a. At this time it is anticipated to have all of the rooms available for the contractors to perform work except the agent cashier.

20. With the infectious control will the contractor be able to exhaust the negative air tube into the

HVAC exhaust system due to no windows to exhaust out?

a. If required based on the ICRA requirements of the space and construction activities, the contractor can use air-scrubbers. The negative air machines can not be ducted into the

HVAC exhaust system.

21. Sheet A-01 General Notes: The contractor shall be familiar with the site and conditions there on;

and shall not rely solely on review of the bidding documents in determining the extent of work required. Question: If the contractor is to not rely solely on the drawings in determining the extent of work required then how is the contractor and the VA to see eye to eye with what is to bid? This is potentially leaving room for the contractor to not bid exactly what the VA wants/needs and can leave the contractor financially liable for unknown amounts of work.

Please provide all details for the extent of work on drawings for contractors to bid on.

a. All work to be completed is depicted on the drawings. As the note begins “These plans delineate the basic scope of work for the removal of existing material. The drawings and notes are provided with the intent to generally describe areas and limits of work.”

22. Who is responsible for removing all furniture, wall décor, from the building for flooring to be demoed and installed, framing and painting? Where will the furniture be taken, and will the contractor be responsible for storing or will the VA provide a secure area?

a. Per General Conditions Note 19, Sheet A-00: It is the contractor’s responsibility to move furniture from offices for work to be accomplished and to move furniture back after work is complete.

23. In the rooms where the carpet is to be demoed, what is underneath the carpet?

a. Slab on grade.

24. Will the contractor be responsible for providing hazardous materials testing before start of work?

a. Hazardous materials are not anticipated to be present.

25. Please provide sign in sheet from the site walk.

a. See Attachment 2.

26. General Requirements 1.6 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS (FAR 52.236-10)

The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. “The Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.” Can you please explain what this means?

a. A hold harmless clause states one party (in this case the Contractor) will not hold the other party (in this case the Government) legally or financially responsible for any liabilities (losses, accidents, negligence, etc.) resulting from actions of the other party

(the Contractor) while under the contract.

The clause being referenced in the specifications is FAR 52.236-10 and this clause is also included in the RFP. The exact wording is as follows:

52.236-10 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS (APR 1984)

(a) The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor’s performance.

(b) Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the Contractor only with the approval of the Contracting Officer and shall be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the Contractor and shall be removed by the Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work. With the written consent of the Contracting Officer, the buildings and utilities may be abandoned and need not be removed.

(c) The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the Contracting Officer. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

(End of clause)

27. With the Fire Sprinkler heads need for height adjustment and reinstall once new ACT is installed this will require a fire sprinkler contractor. In the price break schedule breakdown division 21 is marked N/A. Should this be changed so contractors can enter the cost in for this scope of work?

a. The minor fire sprinkler work is a result of removing and installing the ACT grid, so it should be priced with the Division 9 Finishes.

28. General Requirements 1.30 Safety Sign A, B, C, D, E. Will these be required being that this project is inside of a building?

a. The Safety Sign is not required for this project.

29. Safety Requirements 01 35 26 1.7 Site safety and health officer (SSHO) The Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention Plan.

Question: Can the super intendent act as the SSHO?

a. Yes, the superintendent can be assigned as the SSHO.

30. On the past performance /experience form if a contracting officer is no longer available for past performance information can a final CPARS evaluation be provided with a form?

a. If the Government is unable to verify past performance via information provided, other

Government repositories of performance data such as CPARS may be used to verify.

Please provide whatever information you may have, and the Government will attempt to verify.

31. Does the current ACT ceiling have insulation on top of it? If yes, what will be done with the insulation once the ACT is demolished? Will the new ACT ceiling be required to be insulated? If yes, please provide Sq ft, type of insulation and R rating.

a. No, the current ACT ceiling does not have insulation on top of it and insulation will not be required.