RFI Questions for RFP 36C26125R0059.pdf

RFI Questions for RFP 36C26125R0059 - VA Mather Install Medical Specialties Landscape

1. The Period of Performance for this project is listed as 45 calendar days. There will possibly be 45-60 days lead time once materials are ordered, following receipt of VA approved submittals. Will the VA consider increasing the Period of Performance to 100 calendar days or allow for a “delayed” Notice to Proceed to allow for the projected lead time?

VA Response: Yes, VA will allow for a 100-day POP.

2. During the Site Visit, it was observed that a few valve boxes & pull boxes are located in the areas scheduled to receive grading and/or artificial turf. The SOW does not mention these boxes. Will the VA clarify if these boxes should be raised or lowered in order to match any revised grades?

VA Response : Yes, utility box lids to be adjusted to new grades.

3. Will the VA clarify whether the Contractor’s Site Supt., if duly qualified, may also serve in the roles of CQC & SSHO for this project or will a separate individual be required for either of those two roles?

VA Response: Yes, Site superintendent may also serve as Safety. CQC to be separate.

4. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.2-D states that the Testing Laboratory shall be retained by the VA. Will the VA clarify if ny testing will be required for this project, and if so, will the Testing Laboratory will be retained by the Contractor or by the VA?

VA Response: No testing is anticipated, and the VA will not retain a testing agency.

5. Will the VA confirm that the work areas will be required to be fenced off during construction?

VA Response: The work zone does not need to be fenced, but if the contractor plans to stage materials, equipment etc, these need to be contained in a neat and orderly way and in a safe and secure way such as fencing, conex box or equivalent.

6. Specification Section 01 00 00, Parts 1.38 & 1.39 require construction of, and mounting in the ground, both a “Construction Sign” and a “Safety Sign” respectively. Will the VA clarify if these signs will be required for this project?

VA Response: No, these signs do not need to be posted.

7. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.40 requires the Contractor to purchase a subscription to “Submittal Exchange” to manage construction documents for this project. We have used the web-based system “Procore” successfully at this facility and at many other VA facilities. Will the VA clarify if other web-based platforms such as “Procore” may be utilized for this project?

VA Response: Any web-based service that the VA has access to will be acceptable.

8. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.41 requires pre-placement TB testing for all personnel working at the site. Since this is strictly an outdoor sitework project, will TB testing of all workers be required for this project?

VA Response: VA requires an official letter or statement from the GC stating that they have reviewed all staff and subs have current TB shots in order to work on VA property. The VA does not require personnel health records or data or pre-placement testing, GC to manage their own staff health records and management.

9. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.42 requires all employees of the Contractor or Subcontractor to produce proof of receiving a flu vaccine shot. Since this is not a patient care area project, will the VA clarify if this will be required for this project?

VA Response: VA requires an official letter or statement from the GC stating that they have reviewed all staff and subs have received an updated flu shot in order to work on VA property. The VA does not require personnel health records or data.

10. Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4-A & C requires the Contractor to retain additional specialized individuals who must be present at all times during work in these individual’s specific area of responsibility. For this project, this requirement would mean the Contractor must retain an Architect (or Const. Professional with 5 years’ experience), and a Civil Engineer, all to be present onsite during activities in their respective areas of responsibility. Since the hiring all of these Architects/Engineers, and having them onsite during any work taking place in their respective areas of expertise, will add significantly high costs to this project, will the VA clarify whether this will be a requirement for this project?

VA Response: This requirement will not be needed for this project.

11. Exhibit B-B833 Shows the synthetic turf covering the catch basin that is to be infilled with river rock, is the synthetic turf to be installed directly on top of the river rock or do we need to install a geotech fabric and base rock before the turf is installed?

VA Response: Turf to be excluded from the bio basin area only. River rock will be exposed.

12. Exhibit B-B833 show a drain line, is this existing or does this need to be installed, if so what size drain pipe?

VA Response: No drain line to be installed in this project. Any underground SD lines shown on the exhibit are existing.

13. Scope of Work: F “The artificial grass shall be attached to the perimeter edge of layouts shown in the appendix drawings” there are no appendix drawings showing any perimeter detail.

VA Response: No detail available. Please follow the manufacturer recommendations for finishing the edges.

14. Scope of Work: Are we to leave rocks smaller than 6” under the turf? Normally when we install synthetic turf we remove all large rocks and stones and compact to a flat surface.

VA Response: Per statement of work section 2.A. contractor to remove any rock larger than 6in.

15. Is there water on site?

VA Response: There is a hydrant at the northeast corner of B833; there is a hydrant along Hospital way, west side of the site by Lot 03.

16. Is there an estimated start date to this project?

VA Response: The facility is targeting September 2025.

17. What is this area being used for? The specified turf is a nylon turf, that is usually used for golf or very rigorous training facilities, versus a landscape type of turf that does not see very much foot traffic.

VA Response: There is no intended use, just aesthetic.