RFI Q-A Response ICU Renovation.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers for Solicitation No. 36C26125R0009 Project No. 662-23-101

ICU Renovation VA Medical Center (VAMC) San Francisco, CA

VA Responses

RFI #1

Q1: Does the scope of work for the ICU Renovation on VA Medical Center San Francisco Project 662-23-101 include noise and vibration monitoring? The project description indicates a noise and vibration monitoring requirement, but the specifications do not include any scope items for noise and vibration monitoring.

Q1 VA Answer: The noise and vibration are expected on this project, however the contractor should consider implementation of using sound-absorbing materials, optimizing equipment placement, and implement noise-monitoring devices, while also considering temporary barriers and quiet zones.

Architectural Design and Materials:

Acoustic Insulation: to install acoustic directly into wall or ceiling cavities to further minimize noise transmission.

Sound-Absorbing Materials: utilize acoustic flooring, ceiling tiles to absorb sound waves and reduce reverberation; walls panels.

Q2: Please provide deck height.

Q2 VA Answer: 12 feet.

Q3: On Drawing Page ET103. The drawings show a circled N4. The Specs nor Sheet have a N4 description. Where can we find the description to the circled N4’s?

Q3 VA Answer: Key Notes: [4] is a Real Time Location System equipment to be relocated.

Q4: RFI #3 – SN #5/MH-103 calls for welded stainless ductwork throughout the project area. Please confirm if all new ductwork shown as part of the mechanical SOW is to be welded stainless steel construction.

Q4 VA Answer: Yes, welded ductwork due to its durability, reliability, and proven performance.

Installers appreciate the robustness of welded seams, which provide a secure and leak-free connection essential for efficient airflow and exhaust.

Sheet Note 5:

All new ductwork to be welded stainless steel, unless otherwise noted. Volume Damper material to match associated ductwork.

Q5: Plans and Specifications call for the new ICU to route back to existing NAE. Sub is currently under contract to start migration of the campus over to Tridium and has two is current contracts under way, with Building 203 in scope to stick out the foundation for the Tridium Server. The current infrastructure is being supported by NAE-45 that has 94 devices, all of which are N2 controllers. Due to limitations of the existing hardware a new supervisor would need to be provided in order to complete the work.

Recommend safe from existing N2 network. Removal of associated controllers, graphics, logic, and associated proxy points (trends, alarms, etc.). Clean up of landing pages, user views, and associated links to space. Recommend adding JACE controller and integrating into Tridium Campus Server.

Q5 VA Answer: Yes, it is fine to add in Java Application Control Engine (J.A.C.E) controller and integrating into Tridium Campus Server.

Network Automation Engine (N.A.E)

Tridium is secured, compliant and flexible platform for facilities data integration and control. Tridium is a product built upon the AX framework, proprietary protocols provided on a scalable platform from which building operators can design their automation systems.

Java Application Control Engine (J.A.C.E) is a hardware platform, typically from Tridium that runs the Niagara Framework, a software platform for building automation and integration, allowing for the control and monitoring of various building systems, including Heating Venting Air Conditioner (H.V.A.C) equipment.

Q6: Plans and Specifications call out for local control of lighting system utilizing outdoor photoelectric sensors and indoor PIR and ultrasonic detection. Please confirm there is no scope for BAS integration and correlation control of equipment logic.

Q6 VA Answer: No: Scope of work for Building Automation Systems Integration and Correlation Control of Equipment Logic.

Building Automation Systems (B.A.S)

Passive InfraRed Detection (P.I.R) temperature changes, means sensors are more sensitive to heat sources such as sunlight or Heating Venting Air Conditioner systems. When Passive InfraRed Detection temperatures changes, they are more likely to trigger false alarms.

Ultrasonic Sensors detect sound waves, more sensitive to movement, are less sensitive to temperature changes and more sensitive to movement. This makes them less likely to be triggered by false alarms.

Q7: Is this a LEED project? Please provide scorecard if it is.

Q7 VA Answer: No: this Intensive Care Unit project isn’t a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D) scorecards provides information on the credits pursued and points earned by a LEED.

Q8: New Campus specification is to utilize Distech IP based controllers for all new work being completed. Controllers can be integrated to either system. Per Q5 a new supervisor is go completing to need to be provided, current spec is to utilize JACE’s for integration to Tridium server. Pending response to Q5 – Distech controls will be specified – Please confirm controller manufacturer is acceptable.

Q8 VA Answer: Yes: It is fine to use; Controller Manufacturer is acceptable.

Distech Internet Protocol (I.P) refers to Distech Controls’ controllers that utilize the Internet Protocol for communication, allowing them to be integrated not various systems and network.

Q9: Please confirm if structural engineering and mounting details will be required for controls enclosures and panels over 50 lbs.

Q9 VA Answer: Yes: It is required for mounting details for Controls Enclosures and Panels to be over 50 Pounds shall be done by Professional Structural Engineering stamp with details drawing.

Q10: Please confirm structural engineering and mounting details will be required for conduit related to controls.

Q10 VA Answer: No: need for structural engineering and mounting details will be required for conduits related to controls. How-ever all new conduits shall be independent by themselves, not to tie onto Department of Veterans Affairs existing conduits.

Q11: Please confirm sourcing material from Canada meets the requirements for the Buy America Act.

Q11 VA Answer: Yes: material from Canada meets the requirements for Buy American Act.

Canada is part of the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) exception under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This information can be found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 25.4 Trade Agreements.

Q12: Specification Section 21-13-13 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System Section 1.3 - design criteria - line-item A.3:

Design criteria states that hydraulic calculations are not required. sheet F-001 calls out for hydraulic calculations to be performed under the fire sprinkler scope. question: are hydraulic calculations required?

If yes, can the hospital provide hydrant flow test, underground piping size and routing from onsite loop to Building 203, and interior pipe size and routing from building point of entry to the riser in Stair 3?

Q12 VA Answer: Yes: General Contractor shall provide Hydraulic Calculations.

Hydraulic calculations for wet-pipe sprinkler systems ensure efficient and reliable fire suppression by optimizing pipe sizing, minimizing water wastage, and ensuring all sprinkler heads receive adequate pressure, ultimately leading to a more cost-effective and effective fire protection system.

Here's a more detailed explanation of the benefits:

1. Optimized Pipe Sizing and Cost Savings:

Accurate Calculations Reduced Material Costs Reduced Friction Losses.

2. Enhanced System Reliability and Performance:

Ensuring Adequate Pressure Minimizing Water Wastage. Optimized Water Delivery.

3. Compliance with Safety Standards:

Meeting National Fire Protection Association 13 Requirements.

Verification of Water Supply

4. Adaptability and Flexibility:

Optimized for Specific Hazards.

Suitable for Various Piping Materials

Q13: Specification Section 21-13-13 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System section 3.1 - Installation - line-item P:

For the exposed fire sprinkler piping in the new rooftop HVAC enclosure, does the new sprinkler pipe need to be sent out primered? If so, will painting contractor be responsible for painting the fire sprinkler pipe once installed?

Q13 VA Answer: Yes: The general contractor shall prime two coats on new Fire Sprinkler Piping at the new roof top Heating Venting Air Conditioner enclosure. Contractor’s painter shall prime and paint three coat after contractor install them.

Specifications on PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.1 INSTALLATION

Line-item P. MRI Suite: Supply no more than one penetration of the MRI shield enclosure.

Q14: Specification Section 21-13-13 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System section 3.1 - Installation - line-item P:

Design criteria states that hydraulic calculations are not required. Sheet F-001 calls out for hydraulic calculations to be performed under the fire sprinkler scope. Are the hydraulic calculations required? If yes, can the hospital provide hydrant flow test, underground piping size and routing from onsite loop to Building 203, and interior pipe size and routing from building point of entry to the riser in Stair 3?

Q14 VA Answer: This question is answered in Q13.

Q15: Specification Section 21-13-13 - Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System:

The 3rd floor fire sprinkler riser located in Stair #3 and feeds the ICU and a large portion of the hospital outside of the scope of work. the main exits the ICU in (2) places. to avoid several shutdowns / fire watch of the fire sprinkler system, will the hospital accept installing temporary isolation valves and a new main connection. this will allow for the ICU area to be drained and filled while keeping the fire sprinkler system live in the rest of the hospital. Once all testing has been completed, all temporary valves would be removed.

Q15 VA Answer: Yes: General Contractor shall install permanent Isolation Valves and or on the New Main Connection for future outage when Department of Veterans Affairs, Division of San Francisco

Engineering Maintenance needs to isolate and or water shutdown for Intensive Care Unit Area to be drained and filled while keeping the Fire Sprinkler System live in the remaining of the hospital.

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