RFI finalized.docx

593-24-102

RFI Responses

1. Does existing sliding automatic doors have an existing tie in to the fire alarm system?

Yes. The contractor will be required to conduct tests to ensure proper connectivity and operation.

2. What are the dimensions of the new drainage channel?

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements for construction documents.

3. Where is keynote #9 located on south entrance drawing page 4?

Keynote #9 refers to the concrete demo areas in preparation for the metal canopy footings, new concrete for walkway, and new drainage system marked in yellow not to include the existing walkway to the Administration entrance doors (which is to remain…see answer #13).

4. Can we use the existing 120V power at existing automatic sliders to power up both new slider and auto swing door operators?

Yes

5. Size requirements for double pole hip tensile shade structure?

Canvas Canopy shall cover the existing 20’ X 30’ patio. The bottom of the lowest part of the canopy shall be 8’ (feet).

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements.

6. Material required for double pole hip tensile shade structure.

The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements using materials deemed best suited for this location and elements.

7. Is contractor responsible for removing 2 lights in the patio area?

Yes. The existing locations of the two lights shall be utilized to supply power to the new lights under the canvas canopy and provide the location of the canopy support columns.

8. Will existing exterior cameras be obscured with the new shade structure?

No. The underbody of the new Metal Canopy shall be constructed higher than the existing two cameras mounted on the front of the Administration building entrance Measurements of clearance are as follows: 10’9” to top of cameras; 12’9” to the underside of the existing overhang.

9. Will new south entrance canopy tie into the existing building?

No. The new metal canopy shall be constructed as a stand-alone structure.

10. If new south entrance canopy ties into the existing building, at what height?

N/A. See RFI #9

11. How big is the gutter? Requesting dimensions.

The gutter shall remain on the building side of the sidewalk until the transition towards the parking lot.

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements for construction documents.

12. Can we request dimensions for the shade structure and footings?

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements for construction documents.

13. Can we keep existing concrete in place where new shade structures are going?

The existing concrete at the Administration (Bldg. 6) entrance shall remain. New concrete shall be poured to widen the path to the entrances and provide a clean finish to the new canopy on both sides of the existing concrete. The new concrete shall be tied into the existing concrete for strength and integrity.

14. Will existing card readers be relocated?

Yes. The existing card reader at the Education entrance and the existing card reader at the Administration entrance shall be relocated to not impede the approach to each new entrance.

15. We are spec’d to tie the new doors into the fire alarm. Can you provide the exact location of the fire alarm tie in point?

Building 6 Room 1H104. The Contractor shall utilize the existing communications circuits to trace back to existing patch panel for new circuits.

16. Will new drainage gutter tie into down spout for new south entrance canopy?

Yes. Drainage from the new metal canopy shall tie into the building drainage, between building and sidewalk, and run into the new drainage gutter down to the parking lot as specified in attachment drawing page 4. The Contractor shall develop shop drawings that adhere to the proper slope for storm water.

17. What size are the letters for new signage on south side canopy?

Measurements of VA logo to be provided. Large letters measure 15” X 9”, small letters 11.5” X 7”.

18. What is the finish material for exterior signage on south side canopy?

Check the Specs, SOW, and TIL for acceptable finish, submitted to VA for review and approval.

19. Will the new letters for signage at south side entrance be mounted on the front face surface of new structure?

Signage shall be installed on the face of the metal canopy.

20. Can we request an extension on this bid? The current due date does not give our suppliers adequate time to estimate costs and meet the specifications.

Amendment 0003 provides the extension.

21. Can the tell us if there is any possibility of asbestos or lead being encountered in the demo? If so, can you please provide the report for the areas of the project?

No reports available for asbestos or lead. Testing will be conducted by the VA. Results will be available within two weeks of tests.

22. Will the site require Traffic or Pedestrian Control for the Exterior Improvements/Earthwork at the doors?

Each entrance will be completely close separately & during 2 different phases of construction. Interim Life safety Measures (ILSM) shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Each entrance is required to be secured until construction is completed.

23. Does the VA plan to close off any of the entrances during construction?

Yes.

24. Will the VA clarify if the Contractor’s Site Superintendent, if duly qualified, may also serve in the roles of SSHO and CQC, or will a separate individual be required for either of these two rolls? If so, how much time per week is each required to be on site during construction?

The role of SSHO may also serve as a Site Superintendent. Due to the importance of quality control, the VA prefers a separate CQC personnel be appointed and on site for construction milestones for each discipline to ensure construction quality. Site Superintendent and SSHO will be required on site at all times during construction.

25. Will the VA confirm that the majority of this project will be performed during normal working hours and what those hours will be?

Please review Statement of Work paragraph 9. Hours of Work.

26. Where is the anticipated laydown area for the general contractor, and what are the dimensions of this space?

The Contractor has access to the VA’s Construction Laydown Area. Material Storage 20’X20’, fenced with locked gate. The Contractor can also place an office trailer in the same area.

27. Will the contractors and workers be allowed to use the restrooms inside of the building? Will the workers be allowed to use the VA cafeteria during breaks?

The Contractor will be required to place port-a-potties for their employees due to location of the construction site. Access to the facility restrooms would be nearly impossible. It is required for contractor to utilize portable restrooms (port-a-potties). Contractor workers may utilize the cafeteria for breaks and meals.

28. Can demo be performed during normal work hours or will it have to be after hours due to excessive noise?

The demo should be performed during normal hours. Per Statement of Work paragraph 9. Hours of Work, requests for any work performed shall be coordinated and scheduled through the COR. Work requests outside of normal business hours shall be submitted to the COR 10 days in advance.

29. Provide as-builts for the building(s) and surrounding site including any underground utilities that may be encountered.

There are no as-builts for this area. The Constructor is required to conduct site surveys to include ground penetrating radar/x-ray to detect utilities.

30. Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction.

Please review Statement of Work paragraph 9. Hours of Work.

31. Does the VA have a location at the site for the spoils or will this need to be hauled off site?

The Contractor is responsible for disposing of all spoils in an off-site approved facility.

32. Will the use of Procore, Submittal Exchange or Textura be required for the project for Submittals or Invoicing? Or will email exchanges be sufficient?

Yes. A formal submittal processing system is required. Invoicing will be in accordance with the Solicitation and processed via Tungsten system.

33. Is a job site trailer required to be set up or is there a space we can use at the VA for a temp office in the building during construction?

Please review the SOW Paragraph 15. C.

34. If a job site trailer is required, where is that location, and where can we get power from locally to the trailer?

The VA Construction Laydown is location with the perimeter of the VA complex. Power is readily available.

35. Can the VA please provide the pre-job sign in sheet?

The Contractor shall be responsible for creating and annotating a Daily Sign-in Sheet. These shall be released to the VA CS/CO on a weekly basis in the Contractor’s Daily Report.

36. Can the VA provide the Asbestos and Lead report for buildings and the area to be demoed or remodeled?

No reports available for asbestos or lead. Testing will be conducted by the VA. Results will be available within two weeks of tests.

37. Does the VA want to keep or recycle any non-hazardous items of materials removed from demolition? Or will all non-hazardous items and materials be allowed to be sent directly to the landfill?

The Contractor is responsible for disposing of all spoils at an off-site approved facility.

38. Confirm that the VA will be responsible for moving out all existing furniture or equipment in all areas prior to construction?

There is no furniture or equipment needing to be removed in these areas that will impede construction.

39. Will we have to build any temporary entrances or walls around the area of construction?

Interim Life Safety Measures (ISLM) shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Each entrance is required to be secured and seal from dust entering the main hallway until construction is completed.

40. If construction barriers need to be set up and removed outside of normal work hours. Can demolition that could cause excessive noise to be performed during normal working hours?

All barriers shall remain in-place until construction is completed at each entrance. Noise levels for this construction effort will not affect normal business hours. See RFI#2.2 for work hours response.

41. Will this project need to be phased, or do they have an idea of which part of the project should be completed first?

The Contractor is required to review ALL documents submitted for this construction effort. Phasing of this construction is covered in the SOW paragraph 3. Project Requirements.

42. Provide as-builts for the building(s) and surrounding site (utilities).

As-builts will be provided upon award.

43. Provide the firm and point of contact for the fire alarm, access control vendor at the site.

This will be provided upon award.

44. Will ICRA be required? If so, has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces?

No. Construction zone will be secured from main building.

45. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays and unforeseen costs of materials in nearly all commodities. How is the VA going to accommodate this if this trend continues?

Period of Performance extensions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The current Period of Performance accounts for the long lead time on some materials.

46. Will the site require any type of security during the night when contractors are not at the site or during the daytime hours when contractors are on site? We just want to make sure materials and tools will be secure.

Security is not available after hours. The facility inner doors will remain secured during construction. The Contractor will be required to construct a secured zone for the construction area.

47. Will the work area be open to the public during construction?

No. The Contractor will be required to construct a secured zone for the construction area. The inner doors shall remain secured during construction.

48. Can we store any spoils on site, or will it all need to be hauled away daily?

No. The Contractor will be required to provide and maintain dumpsters which shall be emptied on a regular basis. Dumpsters are NOT to be filled above the top.

49. Does the VA have a preferred Auto Door Subcontractor they like to use? If so, can they provide their contact information?

No

50. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 002 note #7 and Page 004 Note #6: What is the new hardware device this note is referring too?

Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings, page 002 note #7 and Page 004 Note #6 refers to “HANDWAVE DEVICE” not “HARDWARE DEVICE”.

51. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Pages 002 and 004 Note #3: What make, and model is the existing card reader wea are to match?

The Contractor is required to review ALL documents submitted for this construction effort. The Card Reader required for this construction is covered in the SOW paragraph 3. Project Requirements. Provide and install new HID PIV Class RP-40-H Model 920PHRNEK00005 Card Readers, with Lenel 1300 board for each.

52. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 004 Note # 9: Says concrete to be demolished but don’t see the call out anywhere on the page. Can this be added to the drawings?

The only concrete demo will be for the new PIV Card Readers and the location of the Storm Water Drainage.

53. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 004 Note #14: What is the size and material of these new canopy structures and what type of foundation will they require? We don’t see how it’s possible to determine a cost without details of these structures.

The drawings provided are concept drawings to be used as reference to the Contractor to create shop drawings for this construction effort. The Canvas canopy shall cover the existing 20’X30’ patio. The lowest point (edges) of the finished canopy shall be 8’.

Please read Specification 13 24 19.

54. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 004 Note #14: References steel entry canopy but shows no footings or design. How are we supposed to price this without any type of drawings? Can the VA add this to the drawings?

The drawings provided are concept drawings to be used as reference to the Contractor to create shop drawings for this construction effort.

55. (Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 005 Conceptual Perspective #1 shows signage in the scope, it says to provide on the new steel canopy. What is the size and type of signage? Is it illuminated?

See attachment VA Signage Info for sign details. The new sign on the new metal canopy at the Administration Entrance shall NOT be illuminated.

56. 80 days from start to finish on this project including canopies that we have no design for seems very tight. Would the VA lengthen the period of performance to 180 days?

The Government will revise the SOW to reflect Period of Performance is 120 calendar days from NTP Issuance.

57. "Is there a door schedule? I’m trying to determine how many doors have auto operators. Door schedule explaining which openings receive auto swing door operators. Singles, pair, sizes, etc."

Per Specification 28 13 00, Section 1.4.J.1.k, Door Schedule should be a contractor submittal.

All installed doors should have auto operators.

Per SOW: “Provide and install a new aluminum door assembly with a single automatic sliding door (primary) and an automatic swing door (secondary), and fixed center glass panel” at both entrances, as shown in Drawings.

58. I reviewed the current specs which doesn’t include the automatic sliding door spec. Can the VA provide the auto sliding door specs?

See VA 08 71 13 Specification section, detailing automatic sliding and swing door openers attached.

59. Are we to use the existing power for the new sliding doors? If so, where are the breakers located for the existing power?

See highlighted attachments Bldg. 6 & Bldg. 7 for existing power panel & breaker locations. Both entrances are fed from the same electrical panel EL1A in room 1H107. The breaker to Bldg. 6 entrance is EL1A-14 & EL1A-16 operates the entrance doors. The breaker to Bldg. 7 entrance is EL1A-28 & EL1A-30 operates the entrance doors.

60. Will we need to do any electrical load testing to make sure there is enough power to supply the new doors?

The existing circuits shall be utilized for the new construction. The Contractor is required to survey all electrical circuits prior to any installation.

61. On the south entrance build plans show not to scale, can we get some actual dimensions so we can calculate the concrete?

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements for construction documents.

62. What is the existing concrete finish we are to match for the new concrete?

The Contractor shall match existing brushed concrete finish.

63. Is there a detail for the New Drainage Channel which is Note 11 on the south entrance?

Drawings provided are concept drawings to be utilized for Contractor to form shop drawings. The Contractor is required to conduct surveys to develop shop drawings and measurements to be approved for construction documents.

64. How thick is the new concrete walkway to be?

4” of concrete on 2” of type 2 base rock.

65. Does the new concrete require rebar or wire mesh? If so what size and what is the spacing?

Please read Specification 01 45 29 & 03 30 00 pg. 9 & paragraph 3.2. The Contractor shall submit shop drawings of concrete plans for VA approval.

66. What size are the galvanized steel pedestrian plates supposed to be and how thick?

Please see SOW paragraph 3 Project Requirements – Drainage Gutter (Phase I). The Contractor shall install a concrete drainage gutter with galvanized pedestrian traffic rated plates.

67. Note #13: Are these supposed to be grates for water to flow through and not Plates which would not?

(Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Page 004 Note #13 shall be grates on the walkway. A concrete drainage channel shall be constructed to flow storm water under the grate past the sidewalk down to the parking lot.

68. Note #9 on the South Entrance Demo Plan says concrete to be demolished, but there is no #9 on the plan. Can they add the #9 to the plans?

(Attachment 593-24-102_Combined Drawings) Please disregard Note #9 on Page 004. The only demolish required is on South Entrance Build Plan picture Note #13.

69. Will x-rays be required before saw cutting or coring?

Not required. The Contractor shall exercise caution at all times as there is irrigation in the area for trees and plants.

70. How many new LED light fixtures and what size need to be mounted under the new steel canopy and where is that power supposed to come from. We didn’t see it on the plans, its only mentioned in the scope.

Two each LED light fixtures that match existing canopy lighting will be provided by the VA COR.

71. Where is the existing signage circuit we are supposed to tie into? We didn’t find it on the plans.

The new signage will not require lighting.

72. Can we get some details on the existing lighting poles that need to be demolished? Does that mean remove footings and all or just remove the posts and cap off electrical? Any pictures of them? How many of them?

There are no available as-built drawings of the existing light poles. These locations shall be utilized for the new support columns. The Contractor shall develop shop drawings to provide and construct a double pole hip tensile shade canopy. Two (2) each light pole shall be demolished. Electrical circuits shall be preserved and utilized for new LED lights.

73. How are we attaching these 4 new 5000K fixtures to the shade canopy? We do see that detail anywhere on the plans.

The VA has provided a Product Data Sheet on the light fixtures that will be supplied by the VA for installation on the support columns under the canvas canopy. Two each light fixtures shall be attached to the sides of the support columns over the patio tables.

74. What is the required clear head height for the 4 new lights under the tensile canopy?

8’6” above finish grade (patio floor).

75. Confirm warranty period for auto operators and auto sliders (typically (2) for the VA).

This maintenance agreement shall be the standard 1-year warranty/maintenance agreement with a 2-year maintenance agreement. Maintenance shall be conducted, documented monthly, and provided to the VA COR for our records.

76. There is reference regarding maintenance agreement for auto doors. Does this project require an extended maintenance agreement and if so, how often will visits be required?

This maintenance agreement shall be the standard 1-year warranty/maintenance agreement with a 2-year maintenance agreement. Maintenance shall be conducted, documented monthly, and provided to the VA COR for our records.

77. There are references in a couple spec sections regarding blast doors. Please confirm the doors on this project will standard auto sliders.

Standard sliding and swinging doors shall be installed.

(End of RFI Responses)