RFI Q-A Response.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers for Solicitation No. 36C26125R0040 Project No. 593-23-308

Install Campus Fall Protection VA Medical Center (VAMC) Las Vegas, NV

VA Responses

RFI #1

Q1: AE501/F4 Detail shows a pass-thru lifeline and SPEC 11 24 24 1.6C calls out for a lifeline with intermediates. Current Fall protection anchors do not have that capability. Can the fall protection lifeline be a double lanyard lifeline that does not have pass thru capabilities?

Q1 VA Answer:

Yes, Offerors’ proposals must be in an accordance with (IAW) the project Specifications, however alternate methods or products must be submitted as a submittal for review and approval from the Architect & Engineering (AE) firm and the VA.

Q2: Note on Detail AE501/F4 mentions that the design of the lifeline should be for 4 workers with a max of 2 between anchors. and SPEC 11 24 24 1.6C calls out 6 max workers. Would the design be for 4 workers in arrest or restraint?

Q2 VA Answer:

Per drawing AE501/F4 “Design for up to 4 personnel on a lifesystem simultaneously with a maximum of 2 workers between anchors at any one time.”

Q3: AE501/ Details F2, D6, B6 all show a backer plate connection. Accessing the ceiling and beams underneath is challenging due to mechanicals, closed ceilings, and other obstructions. Could a toggle bolt connection be an option?

Q3 VA Answer:

Yes, the toggle bolt connection must be submitted as a submittal for review and approval.

Q4: AE521 - Detail B6 calls out painted steel or aluminum pipe. Would a Galvanized steel finish be acceptable?

Q4 VA Answer:

No, the intent is to match existing guardrail materials. Provide for painted steel pipe or anodized aluminum pipe as indicated.

Q5: AE521 - Detail B3 shows a backer plate connection. Accessing the ceiling and beams underneath is challenging due to mechanicals, closed ceilings, and other obstructions. Could a parapet mount connection be an option?

Q5 VA Answer:

No, parapet mounted guardrails are not an option, unless otherwise indicated on the drawings.

Q6: AE521 - Detail B3 shows a backer plate connection. Accessing the ceiling and beams underneath is challenging due to mechanicals, closed ceilings, and other obstructions. Could a ballasted guardrail be an option?

Q6 VA Answer:

Alternative anchorage may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Bid the project as indicated.

Q7: AE521 Detail E6 does not match the current guardrail. Is the shown design what we should bid on -or should the guardrail match the existing design?

Q7 VA Answer:

Bid the guardrail as shown on the drawings.

Q8: AE531 Detail D5 calls our detail D6. Will that detail be provided?

Q8 VA Answer:

There is no AE531 Detail D5. I believe the reference is AE511 Detail D5 which calls out AE531 Detail D6. Refer to sheet AE531 Detail D6.

Q9: – Specification section 01 35 26. Part 1.9. paragraph A and paragraph C state that the SSHO has to be a separate individual with no other duties. Please confirm the VA will enforce this requirement or will the project superintendent, if qualified, be able to perform duties as the SSHO and Project Superintendent?

Q9 VA Answer:

SSHO must be a separate individual with no other duties. The VA and contractor will enforce this requirement.

Q10: Specification section 01 35 26. Part 1.11 paragraph B, Requires a monthly inspection from a certified safety professional or certified construction safety and health technician. Is the VA going to enforce this requirement?

Q10 VA Answer:

VA is going to enforce this requirement.

Q11: Specification section 014500. Paragraph 3.4 states that the “CQC system manager is required to be a graduate engineer graduate architect or a graduate of construction management with a minimum of PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity. At construction review two years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this contract. Construction person with a minimum of PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity at construction review five years in related work.” These requirements are a little confusing. In some cases, project superintendents don’t have degrees as outlined above but rather have more than enough relevant experience. Will the VA accept a superintendent with relevant experience Including as qc manager as the Superintendent/QC manager for this project?

Q11 VA Answer:

VA will not accept a superintendent serving as a QC Manager for this project. CQC system manager is not required to be a graduate engineer or graduate architect. VA will not accept a superintendent as a QC Manager for this project.

Q12: Please provide as-built drawings for the utilities under the roof and above the ceiling. What type of ceiling (Tiles or Hard Shell) for ALL Buildings where Fall Protection is to be installed.

Q12 VA Answer:

VA has provided the Reflected Ceiling Plans.

Q13: Can you provide the pictures of the top floor for each building to provide clarification on the space and how it is utilized (Admin, office, storage, patient rooms, etc.). Clarify type of containment required?

Q13 VA Answer:

Floor plans for the top floors of the buildings have been provided.

Q14: Please clarify if one qualified person can be the super/QC/Safety?

Q14 VA Answer:

No.

Q15: Please provide as build drawings for the roofs where fall protection is to be installed.

Q15 VA Answer:

VA has provided the roof drawings for buildings 1,2,3,5,6, and 7.

Q16: Please provide thickness of concrete on roof.

Q16 VA Answer:

Concrete estimated thickness at the roof deck ranges from 5 ½ “ to 7 ½”.

Q17: Details on the plans that show anchoring down fall protection differ with options. is it the GC discretion on means and methods for each fall protection anchor.

Q17 VA Answer Anchor design is a delegated design responsibility of the Contractor per project requirements.

Q18: Specification section 01 35 26, Section 1.9.A states, "The Primer Contractor shall provide a minimum of one "Full-Time" SSHO at each project site, for each shift (with no other duties)...". Upon review of this project, the complexity and magnitude is not significant enough to justify the need for a separate SSHO in our opinion. Will the Government allow the Prime Contractor's Site Superintendent to fulfill the role of the SSHO, so long as they are able to successfully satisfy all requirements and duties of both positions? An alternate SSHO and all other requirements would still be fulfilled as necessary.

Q18 VA Answer No.

Q19: Specification section 01 45 00, Section 3.2.B.1 states, "... Include a CQC System Manager that reports to the project superintendent". However, Section 3.1 states that the project superintendent is the highest level manager responsible for the construction activities, including quality. With this considered, we do not believe that a separate individual should be necessary for the role of CQC Systems Manager and would intend to provide a Site Superintendent that can fulfill both of these roles. Can the Government confirm that this is acceptable, or whether all Prime Contractor's will be required to provide two individual for the roles of Site Superintendent and CQC Systems Manager?

Q19 VA Answer No.

Q20: Can the Prime Contractor's Site Superintendent "Triple-Hat" and fulfill the roles of the Site Superintendent, the SSHO, and the CQC Systems Manager, so long as they are able to satisfy the requirements and duties of all of these roles? Alternates would be provided that could fulfill all above positions in the absence of the primary Site Superintendent/SSHO/CQC.

Q20 VA Answer:

No.

Q21: Is a full-time on-site quality control manager required for this project?

Q21 VA Answer:

Yes.

Q22: Can the Superintendent also be the quality control manager?

Q22 VA Answer:

No, Superintendent may not serve as quality control manager for this project.

Q23: Is a full-time on-site Safety and Health Officer required for this project?

Q23 VA Answer:

No, a full -time on-site Safety and Health Officer is required for this project.

Q24: Can the Superintendent also be the site safety and Health Officer?

Q24 VA Answer:

No.

Q25: Can the Superintendent be Triple hatted as the SSHO and QC Manager?

Q25 VA Answer:

No.

Q26: As is typical for most VA projects, can the QC plan be implemented by the onsite superintendent and administrated by the PM without additional staff needed onsite as typically called for in 01-45-00?

Q26 VA Answer:

No.

Q27: Note M. on Sheet GI002 states that exterior exposed steel shall be painted, we are to assume that this only pertains to the new work that we are installing?

Q27 VA Answer:

Per specification 09 91 00, Painting, paragraph 1.1.A, item 13: painting of any surface not specifically mentioned to be painted herein or on construction documents, but for which painting is obviously necessary to complete the job, or work which comes within the intent of these specifications, is to be included as though specified.

Q28: What is the total dollar amount that the VA has requested for this project?

Q28 VA Answer:

Please refer to the solicitation for the magnitude of construction.

Q29: Has this request been approved and full funding for this project available to the NCO station?

Q29 VA Answer:

Yes.

Q30: Are any of the roofs on Buildings 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or 7 currently still under manufactures warranty?

Q30 VA Answer:

None of the roofs are currently under warranty.

Q31: If so, please provide the roofing contractor’s name and contact information that installed the roof?

Also provide the roofing material’s manufacturer’s name and contact information?

Q31 VA Answer:

None of the roofs are currently under warranty.

Q32: Will any of this work have to be performed after hours or weekends?

Q32 VA Answer:

After hours and/or weekend operations may be required. Refer to General Note “T” sheet GI002.

However, specification Section 01 00 00, General Requirements, paragraph 1.2.A, states “All work to be done during “regular hours”, between 8:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays, and weekends with approval of the COR.” If work needs to be after hours or weekend due to ongoing patient care, consult with COR.

Q33: Will this project be done in phases?

Q33 VA Answer:

Phasing the work may be required. Refer to General Note “T” sheet GI002. Also note, specification Section 01 00 00, General Requirements, paragraph 1.6.G, Phasing.

Q34: Will each phase have to be fully completed before moving to the next or can some phases be completed simultaneously?

Q34 VA Answer:

Phasing the work may be required. Refer to General Note “T” sheet GI002. Also note, specification Section 01 00 00, General Requirements, paragraph 1.6.G, Phasing.

Q35: How many areas will we be given at a time?

Q35 VA Answer:

Refer to General Note “T” sheet GI002. Also note, specification Section 01 00 00, General Requirements, paragraph 1.6.G, Phasing.

Q36: Will the contractor be responsible for any permits?

Q36 VA Answer:

Yes.

Q37: Will the VA please re-issue the plans and specification with less security restrictions, specifically restricting “copying or extracting content” and “extracting content for accessibility”?

The contractors need to be able to extract specific pages from the drawings and specific specification sections to send to our subcontractors so that the documents are small enough to send through email, unlike the entire specifications and the entire drawings document.

Q37 VA Answer:

There are no security restrictions.

Q38: Note 1 on sheet AE106, states to match existing fence. Is there a manufacturer and model available to match?

Q38 VA Answer:

Refer to General Note “H” on Sheet AE521.

Q39: Note D. on Sheet A001 and notes 1. on details C1 and C4 on AE501 appear to put an extreme amount of risk on the contractor. The directive to “provide additional framing and connections to the structure, adequate to support new fall protection anchors” and “contractor must verify the existing substrate structure composition” implies a level of engineering design responsibility that does not fall under the contractor’s scope of work. This project is not a design-build contract; therefore, it is not the contractor’s responsibility to perform structural engineering or determine the adequacy of the existing framing to support fall protection anchors. This is not something that can be observed or determined by a “pre-bid site visit”. The Engineer of Record, Valhalla Engineering Group, is responsible for evaluating the existing structural conditions and identifying the appropriate anchor locations that have sufficient capacity, or to design and detail any necessary structural modifications or reinforcements needed.

The contractor will provide the final design of the fall protection in accordance with the equipment labels and ANSI/ASSE Z359 as stated in the Delegated Design spec 11 24 29. However, the contractor is not responsible for inspecting or evaluating the adequacy of existing structural elements, particularly when such conditions are unknown prior to bid and outside the contractor’s expertise or licensure. Our delegated design and engineering calculations will be based upon the assumed structural load capacities of the substrates, which must be provided by the Engineer of Record. If anchor points are proposed in areas without adequate concrete decking or known structural capacity, it is incumbent on the EOR to issue revised drawings identifying suitable alternative locations or additional structural modifications.

1.Please confirm that the Engineer of Record is responsible for determining whether proposed anchor locations have sufficient structural capacity to support the required fall protection loads?

2.Please confirm that the contractor’s design responsibility is limited to the anchor system itself per Section 11 24 29, based on structural data provided by the EOR.

3.Please confirm that note J. on sheet AE501 is referring to supplemental steel plates as shown in the “alternative connection” details and not referring to structural steel framing that may be needing because the existing concrete decking is not adequate or doesn’t provide sufficient capacity (something that cannot be determined prior to bid price submission).

Q39 VA Answer:

1. The EOR has final responsibility for acceptance and approval of the delegated design engineer’s final design and computations.

The drawings definitively identify the assumed conditions. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to verify the existing conditions prior to designing the fall protection systems. If conditions are found to differ from the drawings, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to identify the differing conditions and report them to the Owner (VA) for resolution prior to proceeding with the work.

2. The Contractor’s delegated design engineer’s responsibility is to the EOR and the Owner (VA). It is not limited to the anchor system itself. Following standards of practice and due-diligence are required of licensed professional engineers. Design data may change depending upon the Contractor’s verification of existing conditions. The work requires a team effort with the EOR as the lead but not with sole responsibility.

3. Note “J” is intended to assure that all work needed to achieve sound anchorage will be accomplished as part of the project.

Q40: Details B6 and D6 on AE501 provide a section cut for “Alternate Connections” can the VA please provide a section cut like these for the “Preferred” adhesive anchor method shown in C4 on AE501?

Q40 VA Answer:

A “C4” detail (section cut) for adhesive anchors would be like section cuts indicated in “B6” and “D6” except for the plates below the composite deck roof. Therefore, an additional detail is not warranted.

Q41: Please provide a basis of design for the crossover bridge in detail F6 on AE511? It appears to be a pre-fabricated structure and not a custom built structure.

Q41 VA Answer:

Refer to specification Section 05 51 36, Crossover and Landing Platforms.

Q42: On sheet AE521 there is a note for the guardrails to be painted steel or anodized aluminum pipe, there is also a note for the guardrails to be powder coated steel. All 3 of these finishes have very different price points. Does the contractor get to make the final decision on which of the 3 options to furnish and install? If not, please provide the exact finish that the VA will require, for pricing purposes?

Q42 VA Answer:

The guardrails indicated are at different locations in the building, exterior and interior. The interior and exterior locations provide optional material and finish.

Q43: Who was the installer of the existing fall protection system, mentioned in note C. on sheet AE501?

Q43 VA Answer:

The original installer could not be verified but the manufacturer may have been Tractel, Ltd.

Q44: Are all of the buildings roofs the same type Built-up roofing? If not please provide each roof type for each building.

Q44 VA Answer:

All the building roofs are believed to be of the same type. However, the type was not verified. Three types are indicated in the project specifications. Depending on the Contractor verified type, the respective specification section would apply.

Q45: Is there an as-built of the existing roofing anchor system that can be provided prior to the bid?

Q45 VA Answer:

Yes. See AE-5306 drawing.

Q46: Are the existing anchors and davit mounts adhered, fastened, or welded to the building structure (example, detail F4/A-A501 Shows to match existing)? If welding is needed, please confirm welding requirements?

Q46 VA Answer:

Existing stanchion and davit anchorages were not verified. It is assumed the devices were factory fabricated and certified per ANSI Z359 prior to installation.

Q47: Please confirm whether the fall protection system requires a delegated design by the contractor, or if the details provided in the construction documents are fully engineered and ready for installation?

Q47 VA Answer:

Fall protection systems are proprietary, requiring delegated design. The construction drawings are for concept only and provide guidance for the intended scope of work. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide design and installation the fall protection systems in accordance with the construction documents.

Q48: Will roof access and material staging areas be designated by the VA, or is the contractor responsible for proposing them for approval?

Q48 VA Answer:

Means and methods are the responsibility of the Contractor but must comply with the Owner’s (VA) requirements for continuous operation of the Medical Center. Contractor to submit a proposed Logistics plan for COR review and approval.

Q49: While installing permanent fall protection anchors, will any interim fall protection systems be required?

Q49 VA Answer:

The Contractor has sole responsibility for project operations, worksite safety for workers, VAMC staff, visitors, and patients. Compliance with OSHA, state and local regulations is mandatory.

Q50: Please clarify the extent of the contractor’s responsibility for roof repair following fall protection anchor installation, particularly regarding membrane replacement and warranty compliance?

Q50 VA Answer:

Roof repair warranty must comply with FAR clause 52.246-21.

Q51: Spec section 11 24 29 part 2.2 A. states to engage an engineer as defined in Section 01 40 00 Quality Requirements; however, spec section 01 40 00 is not part of the project specifications. Please clarify.

Q51 VA Answer:

Requirements for the engineer are contained in specification Section 11 24 24, paragraph 1.7.B and specification Section 11 24 29 paragraph 1.5.E. Engineer Qualifications are as follows: State PE License No., number of years (2 years min.) experience designing fall protection for restraint and arrest, recent project experience (5 projects, min.). Engineer shall maintain an Errors and Omissions insurance policy with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate.

Q52: Is this project Tax Exempt?

Q52 VA Answer:

The project is not tax exempt.

Q53: Are there any solar panels on these roofs that are not shown on the drawings?

Q53 VA Answer:

Yes, they are solar thermal panels on Building 5.

Q54: Will this project be awarded to the lowest technically acceptable price?

Q54 VA Answer:

Please refer to the solicitation’s Instruction to Offerors- Basis for Award section.

Q55: Instead of using the provided price breakdown form can the contractor include a price breakdown report from their estimating software that will include the same information (material, labor, Overhead, Profit, Bond) displayed in the same format?

Q55 VA Answer:

Offerors are required to use the Attachment Price Breakdown as stated in the Instruction to Offerors section of the solicitation. Proposals will not be considered if this form is not filled-in and/or missing.

Q56: With the delegated design, will the contractor be required to carry Errors and Omissions Insurance?

If so, what dollar amount does the policy need to cover?

Q56 VA Answer:

Delegated Design Engineer shall maintain an Errors and Omissions insurance policy with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate.

Q57: Will we have to remove a window in each area to vent the negative air outside or is there another means of venting air from the space to achieve the negative pressure required by ICRA?

Q57 VA Answer:

Please reference Amendment 0002 Pre-construction Risk Assessments (PCRA) and Infectious Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Attachments for estimating purposes. ICRA plan will be completed in the post-award phase in coordination with the VA Infectious Control Representatives.

Q58: What openings can we use to vent our negative air to meet the ICRA requirements?

Q58 VA Answer:

See Q57 answer.

Q59: What will be the ICRA categories and levels required for this project?

Q59 VA Answer:

.See Q57 answer. Must provide mobile HEPA carts if accessing ceiling tiles.

Q60: In ICRA areas that require Category B Level 1 or 2, can we use zip-walls or plastic sheeting as containment?

Q60 VA Answer:

See Q57 answer. Must provide mobile HEPA carts if accessing ceiling tiles.

Q61: In any ICRA areas that require above Category B containment, can plastic wall panels be used for the ICRA walls, such as STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System’s panels?

Q61 VA Answer:

See Q57 answer.

Q62: Will we have to move any of the existing lightning protection system to complete this work? If so, who will be required to test and recertify the system (added costs)?

Q62 VA Answer:

No lightning protection systems are expected to be affected.

Q63: Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials?

Q63 VA Answer:

No.

Q64: Please confirm how the contractor will be permitted to access the roofs for installation of fall protection systems. Specifically:

Will the contractor be allowed to use the existing interior stairwells and roof hatches for personnel and equipment access? Or will the contractor be required to provide external roof access, such as scaffolding or lifts?

Q64 VA Answer:

Contractor will be allowed to use the existing interior stairwells and roof hatches for personal equipment access.

Q65: Can the bid date for the project be extended to provide more time for contractors?

Q65 VA Answer:

Please reference Amendment 0002 for updated proposal submission date and time.

Q66: Can a second round of RFIs be submitted once the initial RFI answers are provided as usually these answers call for more clarifications in most cases?

Q66 VA Answer:

No. This requirement will have only one (1) RFI Question & Answer period.