Amendment 36C26126R0013 0002.docx

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Solicitation Z1DA--NRM - 640-23-102 | Microbiology Lab Renovation
Solicitation number
36C26126R0013
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This is Amendment 0002 to Solicitation 36C26126R0013 for Microbiology Lab Renovation services, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office on February 19, 2026. The amendment extends the proposal submission deadline to March 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT and posts responses to 69 Requests for Information (RFIs) previously submitted by potential bidders. The solicitation is a total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside for general construction, interior finishes, alterations, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems renovation work on the Microbiology Lab at VA Palo Alto, Building 100. The contract is Firm-Fixed-Price with an approximate 365-calendar-day performance period from Notice to Proceed, with project completion anticipated in early 2027. The magnitude of construction falls between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 under VAAR 836.204.

The RFI responses clarify critical project requirements including: the contractor must provide logistics plans for equipment relocation and contractor staging areas in coordination with the VA; existing equipment must be relocated and stored during phased construction while maintaining microbiology lab operations in temporary swing space; the contractor is responsible for all electricity and water during performance and must provide site layout and haul routes; wage determination CA20250018 applies; seismic hardware and equipment reinstallation are contractor-provided per contract documents; phasing may proceed continuously upon completion of preceding phases; ICRA Class IV containment is required; no facility utility connections are provided to contractors; 30-day load testing for electrical panels should be performed simultaneously or by third-party contractor; and the contractor must provide red-lined as-builts with discrepancies reported to the VA and architect. Additional clarifications address equipment specifications (LABCONCO biosafety cabinets supplied and installed by contractor), material substitution restrictions, roof access availability without crane requirements, weekend and off-hours work expectations, and COVID-19 safety compliance.

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Other files

File Type Posted
Amendment 36C26126R0013 0002 Answers to RFI 57 and 59.docx DOCX document
36C26126R0013 0001.docx DOCX document
Wage Determination CA20250018.txt TXT text file
S02 RFI FORM.docx DOCX document
640-23-102_VA2312_Bid Set Drawing_11-04-2025.pdf PDF
DIVISIONAL COST BREAK-OUT.docx DOCX document
36C26126R0013 Microbiology Lab Renovation.docx DOCX document
VAAR 852.219-75.docx DOCX document
SAFETY - ENVIRONMENTAL RECORD AND EXPERIENCE MODIFICATION RATE.docx DOCX document
640-23-102_SPECS v1_BID - 11-04-2025.pdf PDF
640-23-102_SPECS v2_BID - 11-04-2025.pdf PDF
640-23-102_B100_Microbiology SOW R1 11-04-2025.pdf PDF
36C26126R0013.docx DOCX document
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5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

02-19-2026

36C261-26-AP-0413

640-23-102

612MCP

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21 3237 Peacekeeper Way, Bldg 209 McClellan Park CA 95652

612MCP

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21 3237 Peacekeeper Way, Bldg 209 McClellan CA 95652 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26126R0013

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 03-09-2026 10:00 am PDT

The purpose of this amendment is to:

- Post answers to RFIs

- Extend the response date to March 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST

See continuation page for details.

Jose Hernandez Contracting Officer

Solicitation 36C26126R0013 - Microbiology Lab Renovation RFI Questions

Question
Response
During the job walk that was held on Thursday, January 22nd. There were many GC’s and subcontractors in attendance, this made the rooms for this project, very crowded and hard to take good pictures / videos during the job walk. Could the VA take adequate pictures / videos of all the rooms-floors-ceilings, etc. with nobody showing up in them. This would be greatly be appreciated by all of the bidders I would assume.
The VA will not provide pictures of the site.
During the job walk and reading the plans, there is a lot of equipment/ machinery that will have to be removed & reinstalled throughout the phases. Could you provide a list of what needs to be disconnected and reconnected for each of these, along with any power down sequences or shut down sequences required. Please also identify if any of the equipment / machinery is hard wired.
[RA-Davy] Contractor to provide a logistics plan for the VA to review & approve.
Could the VA provide a desired “Path of Travel” of Microbiology Equipment being moved from the 6 rooms on the 4th floor of Building #100 to the 3rd Floor of Building #4 Storage Spaces. In reviewing the plans for Building #100, and the campus, it seems the Equipment would have to be taken to the proper Elevator location and down to the basement level, moved through the loading dock area, then proceeding thru the Parking Garage Bldg. #PS1, and then to the Temporary Storage area Bldg #4 on the Third Floor. Please clarify if this would the correct “Path of Travel ? Could a floor plan and site plan be provided showing the desired “Path of Travel”?
[RA-Davy] Contractor to provide a logistics plan for the VA to review & approve.
Please clarify if this is would be the correct Wage Determination decision to use for this project ?
Yes, WD CA20250018 09/26/2025 applies to this project
Please confirm that seismic angle clips, fasteners, and other hardware are to be provided by the equipment manufacturer or the contractor?
[RA-Davy] Items are to be installed per contract documents by the contractor.
Please confirm the phasing sequence for Phases 5 and 6. Will these phases be continuous, or will there be gaps (days/weeks) between them?
[RA-Davy] Once work from phase 5 is complete (including flooring and paint sufficiently dry) Phase 6 may begin. Contractor to provide Log
Please confirm the specialties subcontractor is expected to reinstall pegboards, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers.
[RA-Davy] Confirmed.
Will the microbiology lab remain operational during construction?
[RA-Davy] The microbiology Lab will remain operational in the swing space during the appropriate phases before it is restored in the remodel lab.
Would Saf-T-Proof Straps be acceptable for benchtop equipment ILO seismic anchorage details [S902]? If substitution is allowed, please confirm if any additional engineering or VA approval is required. Our concern is that penetrations into existing equipment may void the warranty or make the equipment inoperable.
[RA Davy] Specs do not provide for substitutions.
Per the Key note #71 on plan page AD103 , the pavers are to be removed as required. Since there is no definite scope for EPD to price at this point, we cannot provide a pricing. Can you please confirm there are no other unit pavers on this project or let us know we are missing something?
[RA-Davy] Contractor to verify conditions on bid walk.

Can a cover page to identify the volume be a part of the submission but excluded from the page limits for Volumes 1 and 2?

A cover page identifying the Volume will not be counted as part of the page limit and will not be evaluated

Page 12 of 74 Price Volume, paragraph 2 mentions a pricing schedule. I am not seeing the price schedule; please confirm price is to be listed on SF 1442 box 17 and withing the Divisional Cost Breakdown form.
Confirmed, Enter total price in SF 1442 box 17 and withing the Divisional Cost Breakdown form.
The RFP requires removal of existing equipment and non-fixed furniture to be relocated in the swing space in Bldg 100 or Bldg 4. Will VA provide exact description and account of this equipment and furniture for bidding purpose.
[RA-Davy] Refer to GI005 Phasing plan for the identification of equipment affected. Equipment List is found on QH601.
When relocating the microbiology equipment, are there specific precautions needed by Contractor? Will the VA techs be involved to make sure the equipment is properly disconnected or dismantled?
[RA-VA] Yes, the VA Tech will assist.
Per RFP, ‘The hospital cannot afford to shut down the Microbiology lab during construction. A Swing Space within Building 100 has been designated on campus and will be utilized during the construction period.’ – Since contractor is relocating these equipment and furniture, are we to assume that we also need to provide electrical/power/data, etc to the swing space location? Or are there existing utilities to connect to for the relocated equipment.
[RA-P2S] Currently covered in drawings
Can VA provide product specification or manufacturer info on the existing Microbiology equipment for relocation?
[RA-Davy] Information is provided on QH601.
Will VA provide site laydown yard/Temfacil for Contractor? Please identify location on site map.
[RA-VA] VA will provide an area on campus to be coordinated in pre-construction.
Is weekend/off hours work anticipated for this project (aside from work required in the swing space)?
[RA-VA] Some minor work on weekends and off hours is anticipated
If Phasing is required for the project, can VA provide preferred phasing plan/ number of phasing for bidding purpose?
[RA-Davy] Phasing Plan is provided on sheet GI005.
The RFP Stated 365 days project duration. Does this duration consider that the project is required to be performed at specific times only to avoid day to day facility operation disruption, timeframes approved by hospital staff?
[RA-VA] Yes.
The RFP required 365 durations. Does this include all utility shutdown schedules (multiple) that require 30- 45 working days’ notice to coordinate with facility?
[RA-VA] Yes.
Please advise if contractor is allowed to use facility electricity/water during performance of work on site.
[RA-VA] No, the contractor is responsible for electricity/water
Is contractor allowed to use facility toilet/bathrooms?
[RA-VA] No.
ICRA class IV is required during performance of work. Please advise if existing windows can be opened for exhaust from construction areas.
[RA-Davy] Only one room has an exterior (non-operational) window.
Are covid-19 safety requirements for contractors’ compliance still required for this RFP/Project?
[RA-VA] Yes.
Are Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, FP as-built drawing available for contractor reference for bidding. The drawings noted that information was based on 1998 as-built drawings, are there any updated as-builts available?
[RA-VA] No. Access to noted As-builts may be provided by AE per request, no additional drawings are available.
Are BIM’s needed for this project or only required for close-out as-builts?
[RA-VA] Contractor to provide red lined as-builts. Any clashes or discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the VA & AE team.
For incidental roofing work due to new penetrations/equipment pads. Please advise existing roofing product information or previous roofing contractor.
[RA-Davy] Shown on Dtls 3, 8 & 9/AE501.
The Specification table of contents included section 12 36 00 but there were no spec sections included. Please advise.
This Spec can be downloaded from the TIL at: https://vatilms.va.gov/vatilms/landing-page
What is the requirement for roofing warranty for disturbing the existing roofing due to new equipment pads required?
[RA-VA] No Spec avail, contractor to verify roofing & condition. A standard 1 year warranty of work is expected. Contractor to provide a water test at the completion of roof work.
For new incidental wall painting work required, is contractor to match existing surface finishes? Or are new colors or new type of paint is required?
[RA-Davy] Refer to drawings
For relocation and storage/re-use of existing equipment to the swing space. Can VA identify which equipment and furniture are for storage and which one for relocation?
[RA-Davy] Refer to drawings
What is the working hours and day when Contractor perform Phase 4 & 5 or renovation work of Rm E4-304?
[RA-VA] Normal working hrs 8am – 4pm
Please provide location of Contractor Staging & Laydown Area. Please confirm if there is temporary power connection to be provided by the VA for Contractor’s Office Trailer.
[RA-VA] VA will provide an area on campus to be coordinated in pre-construction.
Please advise what is the haul route of Contractor to the 3rd floor and 4th Floor including designated elevator that can be used.
[RA-Davy] Contractor to provide a logistics plan for the VA to review & approve.
Please advise height from existing ACT tile to the metal deck above.
There is approximately 7’ from the clg Grid to the roof deck datum.
Please confirm new structural steel is not required for fireproofing spray.
New Steel and any removed fireproofing spray will need to be replaced to provide a 2 hour protection.
Please confirm that the duct layout provided in the mechanical drawings is not in conflict with remaining existing utilities and will fit above the ceiling.
[RA-Davy] Contractor to field verify existing conditions & inform the architect & VA of any discrepancies and conflicts.
Are we required to submit a preliminary schedule with our technical proposal as part of Factor 2?
A preliminary schedule is not mandatory but can be included as part of your technical approach.
The specs indicate a UPS in 640-23-102 (specification 27.11.00, Page 5) for each cabinet but do not provide enough information. Would need to confirm the following information: Quantity? Mounted in a 4 Post Rack(s) provided by others? 120V Input (5-20P)? Are receptacles needed in the unit? Capacity/Size in kVA or KW = What is the expected load? 1 Hour runtime at full load? Or Expected Load?
[RA – P2S] Please disregard. Spec section is boiler plate. All IDF equipment is existing.
Will a full-time quality control manager be required for this project?
[RA-Davy] Refer to Specifications.
For Factors 1 & 4, will the VA accept projects over 75% complete that do not have CPAR’s? Will a PPQ be required for projects that do not have CPARS?
Factor 1 requires relevant projects at least 75%.

Factor 4: the VA will access CPARS and use that information to evaluate this factor. No PPQs required.

Can steel subcontractors with Los Angeles City Certification be used in Lieu of AISC Certification? This certification meets or exceeds AISC quality safety standards.
[RA-VA] Contractor to follow VA TIL Guidelines.
Will there be any HVAC controls monitoring or controlling for the Biosafety Cabinets in this project?
[RA – P2S] Refer to drawings provided.
Question: Volume II - Section 2.7.A.1.ii states that "Volume II including price only shall not exceed a total of Five (5) pages following the formatting requirements stated in general proposal requirements. Please clarify which documents are included in the Price Volume II. Do we include the SF1442, Price Schedule, Price Breakdown and the Bid Bond?
Volume II must include as a minimum: SF1442 Price Schedule and Price Breakdown. Bonds shall be included in Volume III.

Question: Bid Bond Page Count Section 2.7.A.1.iii.b requires submission of a Bid Bond in Volume III however the bid bond is mentioned on Page 12 under Volume II: Price The current Standard Form SF 24 (Bid Bond) is 4 pages. Additionally, the Power of Attorney documentation required for the surety’s attorney-in-fact is typically 2 pages with notarized seals, bringing the total Bid Bond package to 6 pages.

Bonds shall be submitted as part of Volume III

Question: Does bid Bond need to be included in Volume II or Volume III? If so, does the page count for the Bid Bond and Power of Attorney documentation count against any Volume II page limit, or are these standard required forms exempt from page count limitations?
Bonds shall be submitted in Volume III.
Please confirm that seismic angle clips, fasteners, and other hardware are to be provided by the equipment manufacturer or the contractor
Refer to item 5
Please confirm the phasing sequence for Phases 5 and 6. Will these phases be continuous, or will there be gaps (days/weeks) between them?
Refer to item 6
Please confirm the specialties subcontractor is expected to reinstall pegboards, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers.
Refer to item 7
Will the microbiology lab remain operational during construction?
Refer to item 8
Would Saf-T-Proof Straps be acceptable for benchtop equipment ILO seismic anchorage details [S902]? If substitution is allowed, please confirm if any additional engineering or VA approval is required. Our concern is that penetrations into existing equipment may void the warranty or make the equipment inoperable.
Refer to item 9
There are Drawings and Specs for Division 08, 09 and 10 but no space for it on the supplied Divisional Cost Break - Out. Can you send us an updated Divisional Cost Break-Out sheet that Includes DIV 08, 09 and 10?
[RA-VA] Contractor to add divisions as needed.
In the spec section it states the SSHO and QC can be dual / triple hatted as the Site Super, but wanted written confirmation that this is acceptable and only 1 person can perform all 3 duties if qualified?
[RA-VA] SSHO & QC may be same person; however 1 person may not perform all 3 duties.
Is the NEW equipment listed on Page S900 VA supplied and Contractor installed? Or is LABCONCO Single Sourced and supplied by the GC as we don’t see them the actual spec pages?
[RA-VA] LABCONCO is single source, supplied & installed by contractor. Contractor is responsible for the removal of all discontinues unit(s)/equipment.
Who is responsible for removing and storing all the Existing Equipment before Demolition?
[RA-Davy] Contractor is responsible per the contract documents.
Drawing S-100 refers (5) locations to enlarged plans on Sheet S-102. Sheet S-102 shows multiple W Shape members in all (5) locations. Please confirm which members are to be furnished and installed (F&I) and which are existing to remain (ETR).
Answer is not available currently. Will post when available.
I see bid due date of 2/4/2026; and project to be completed in 1 year after NTP so we are looking at delivery completion in 2026 / early 2027? Correct?
[RA-VA] Correct, completion is anticipated in early 2027.
The Drawing S900 states there are 6 A2 hoods and 2 C1 hoods. However in the Statement of work , 3.10.b2 further below…. It is showing the hoods as 6 C1 hoods and 2 A2 hoods. Can you please clarify which is correct?
Answer is not available currently. Will post when available.
Fixtures: Gas, Vac, Air – Please confirm fixture configuration and if there is a Qty. 1 of each or needs to be more.
[RA – P2S] All utilities have been coordinated. Refer to drawings provided.
Piping: Piping for fixtures, please advise if any piping should be provided.
[RA – P2S] Refer to drawings provided.
Magnehelic Gauge: Labconco's LCD display, ECM motor with constant airflow profile, and HEPA filter life percentage gauge are improvements over the specified magnehelic gauge. The magnehelic gauge is no longer available from Labconco. Is this acceptable?
[RA-VA] All equipment to be coordinated during construction.
Base Stand: Placing a biosafety cabinet on a closed base cabinet or bench has significant ergonomic risks. Users typically sit at BSCs for hours, and when the BSC is on a closed base cabinet, users are unable to comfortably sit or rest their legs. We are advising the units to sit on top of a Hydraulic Base Stand, Telescoping Base Stand or SoLo Stand. Is this acceptable or please advise what type of base cabinets you desire.
[RA-Davy] per bid docs.
Ceiling Enclosures: Are ceiling enclosures required for this project? Please advise!
[RA-Davy] No ceiling enclosures are shown on project.
65
Will there be roof access available for the removal and installation of the EF, or will a crane be required for these items? If a crane is needed, could you please let me know

the proposed staging areas for the crane, as well as the lifting and disposal locations?

[RA-Davy] No crane is required. Roof access is provided. Contractor to follow Contract Documents.

Page E-501 calls out for 6 feeder/load center "30-day Load Test" however, I can (or most EC's or Equipment rental Co ) only perform one 30 day test at a time as I only have one Fluke Power-Logger. Solution is to start the tests on the panels that affect our project, & then every 30 days, move on to the next 30-day test during the remodel.

Within 6 months all six tests could be performed.

[RA – P2S] Recommend renting additional meters or contracting with 3rd party to perform all meter load readings simultaneously.

67
General Notes on Page E-501 # 1,2,3 etc address New construction Feeders, however, the plans clearly show all panels & feeders as "Existing". Is this info "Boiler-Plate" & just for information only ? Please advise.

[RA – P2S] Yes information is boiler plate and indicated for clarity.

68
General Notes on page E-501 1,2,3 etc. has specs on cooper feeders but the drawings clearly show all the panels & feeders are "Existing" We do not see any New work for panels, load centers, or feeders.

[RA – P2S] No new work under this project.

69
Page E-501 calls for a 30 day "Load-Test' however it will take our subcontractor 6 months to perform this 30 day test on all six panels & feeders as per NOTE 2. We could be running continuous tests during construction & eventually all six panels would get their 30 day tests done within a six month period. Please advise on the expectations of government’s expectation for 30-day load testing.
[RA – P2S] Recommend renting additional meters or contracting with 3rd party to perform all meter load readings simultaneously.

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