RFI Responses Replace Cath Lab.docx

VA Responses to Requests for Information (RFI’s) Solicitation# 36C26126R0038 Project Title: Replace Dietetics and Cath Lab Flooring in Building 1 & 1D, VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System Project Number: 654-22-003

RFI # 1: Existing Flooring Hazardous Materials Section 01 35 26 references asbestos and lead abatement in the APP requirements. No hazardous materials survey or clearance report is included in the solicitation package. Please confirm: (1) Has a hazmat survey been completed for the existing flooring and adhesives in both spaces? (2) If ACM or lead is present, will the VA perform abatement prior to contractor mobilization or is it included in this scope? (3) If a survey exists, please provide it so offerors can price accordingly.

RFI #1 Response: No lead or asbestos abatement is expected as part of this project; therefore, no hazmat survey is required for the existing flooring and adhesives.

RFI # 2: Space Availability During Construction

The SOW requires phasing coordination with the COR but does not specify whether the Cath Lab and Dietetics spaces can be taken fully out of service during construction. Please confirm:

(1) Can each space be fully vacated for the duration of flooring work?

(2) Are there any blackout dates or scheduled procedures during the 90-day performance period that would restrict access to either space?

RFI #2 Response: Work will need to be phased between the Cath Lab and Dietetics so both spaces cannot be down at the same time. Cath Lab will be down for the duration of work in space. In the Dietetics space the areas of floor replacement will be closed off, but the main corridor will need to stay open as the kitchen will still be functioning.

RFI # 3: After-Hours Work Compensation

The SOW states after-hours work may be required for phases generating high noise, vibration, or fumes but does not clarify whether this cost is included in the base bid or compensable through modification. Flooring demolition, grinding, adhesive removal, and welded seam vinyl installation all fall into this category. Please confirm whether after-hours work is a base bid requirement or will be directed and compensated via contract modification.

RFI #3 Response: After hours’ work is a base bid requirement for this project. Due to the Operating Room located directly above the Cath Lab, all floor demolition, substrate preparation, and other high‑noise or high‑vibration activities in the Cath Lab must occur after 4:00 PM and conclude before 7:00 AM, and the contractor must include all associated costs in the base bid. No additional compensation or contract modifications will be issued for these known after‑hours requirements.

RFI # 4: Specified Product Substitutions

The finish schedule specifies Shaw Contract products by name (LVT-1, WSF-1, WSF-2) without an explicit "or equal" qualifier. Please confirm whether these are basis-of-design products open to substitution or sole-source requirements, and if substitutions are permitted, what documentation is required for approval.

RFI #4 Response: The Shaw Contract products identified (LVT‑1, WSF‑1, WSF‑2) are specified to match existing hospital stock; however, they are treated as brand‑name‑or‑equal, meaning substitutions may be considered only if the proposed product meets all salient characteristics, performance requirements, and visual standards of the specified Shaw materials. Offerors submitting an “equal” product must provide full technical data demonstrating compliance with these requirements for Government review and approval.

RFI #5: SSHO Dual-Hat Restriction

Section 01 35 26, Paragraph 1.7(C) states the SSHO must be a separate, dedicated individual from the Prime Contractor's Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager, with duties solely as the SSHO. Please confirm this requirement applies as written.

RFI #5 Response: The requirement in Section 01 35 26, Paragraph 1.7(C), for the SSHO to be a separate, dedicated individual is being waived for this project due to its limited complexity; therefore, the Superintendent may serve as the SSHO, provided the individual meets all SSHO qualification and training requirements in the specifications and can perform SSHO duties without compromising any safety oversight or other assigned responsibilities the VA/government requires for this project.

RFI # 6: Square Footage / Scope Confirmation

Please confirm that the room-by-room finish schedule on drawing AE-900 represents the complete and definitive scope of flooring replacement for this project.

RFI #6 Response: The room‑by‑room finish schedule on drawing AE‑900 is not the sole determinant of the flooring replacement scope; rather, the complete and definitive scope is established collectively by the SOW, specifications, and all contract drawings, including AE‑900.

RFI #7: Dishwashing Area C2334

Is room C2334 (Dishwashing Area, 1,084 SF) included in or excluded from the flooring replacement scope?

Please confirm explicitly.

RFI #7 Response: Room C2334 (Dishwashing Area) is not included in the flooring replacement scope for this project; therefore, no flooring removal or installation is required in this space, and offerors should exclude this area from all pricing and work planning.

RFI #8: WSF-1 vs. WSF-2 Layout in G2559

Please provide the approximate square footage or a drawing detail showing the boundary between WSF-1 and WSF-2 within room G2559 (Cardiac Cath Lab, 621 SF).

RFI #8 Response: The approximate extent of WSF‑1 and WSF‑2 within room G2559 is 330 square feet with a perimeter of approximately 78 feet, which reflects the designer’s intended division of finishes for the Cath Lab; no additional drawing detail is available, and offerors should use these dimensions for estimating and layout purposes.

RFI #9: Subfloor Conditions

Was any pre-bid moisture testing or substrate condition assessment performed on the existing slab in either work area? If so, please provide results. If not, please clarify contract responsibility for unforeseen substrate conditions such as moisture mitigation or leveling beyond normal prep.

RFI #9 Response: No pre‑bid moisture testing or substrate condition assessments were performed as part of the design. Moisture‑related issues are not anticipated; however, if excessive moisture or other substrate conditions requiring mitigation arise during construction, such conditions will be treated as unforeseen and addressed in accordance with the contract’s applicable clauses. The finished flooring must meet the full manufacturer’s warranty requirements and all warranties specified in the contract.

RFI #10: Philips Azurion Equipment

Can the Philips Azurion imaging system in G2559 be repositioned by VA biomedical staff to allow full floor access? Please confirm required protection measures and whether any contractor liability attaches to this equipment during floor work.

RFI #10 Response: The Philips Azurion C‑arm in room G2559 cannot be fully repositioned to provide complete floor access; VA Biomedical staff can secure the unit, but it will remain only a few inches above the floor. The contractor is responsible for fully wrapping and protecting all equipment in the work area, and the contractor will be liable for any damage to Government equipment resulting from construction activities.

RFI #11: FF&E Removal Responsibility

Please provide a clear breakdown identifying which specific items on the equipment lists in drawing AD-202 are contractor-handled versus VA-handled, particularly for the Dietetics office spaces.

RFI #11 Response: The furnishings and movable FF&E identified in the Dietetics office areas on drawing AD‑202 will be removed by the VA, consistent with the drawing notes; all other items not designated as VA‑handled remain the contractor’s responsibility for protection, relocation, or removal as necessary to complete the flooring work in accordance with the contract requirements.

RFI #12: Base Type Clarification

Please confirm that RB-1 rubber base applies to all Dietetics rooms receiving LVT-1, and that integral flash cove base applies only to sheet vinyl areas in the Cath Lab. If key note 201 on AE-202 is intended to apply differently, please clarify.

RFI #12 Response: RB‑1 rubber base applies to all Dietetics rooms receiving LVT‑1, and the integral flash cove base applies only to the sheet‑vinyl areas in the Cath Lab; no additional variations are required by key note 201 on AE‑202, and the contract documents should be interpreted accordingly.

RFI #13: Specifications Currency

Please confirm the specifications package dated August 2, 2022, is the current and complete set applicable to this solicitation and advise whether any VA TIL updates since that date affect flooring or infection control requirements for this project.

RFI #13 Response: The specifications package dated August 2, 2022, constitutes the current and complete set of specifications applicable to this solicitation and project and offerors are required to bid and to perform in accordance with the drawings and specifications as issued. No subsequent VA TIL updates alter the flooring or infection‑control requirements for this project; the current infection control practices provided in the solicitation remain applicable and will govern the work.

RFI #14: ICRA Category

Please identify the anticipated ICRA category for each work area (Cath Lab and Dietetics) or confirm that the category will be jointly established at the pre-construction conference. Please also clarify contractor responsibility for HEPA unit rentals and infection control barrier construction

RFI #14 Response: ICRA Level II is anticipated for both the Cath Lab and Dietetics work areas based on the current project scope, and this is the level the contractor should include in the base bid unless otherwise directed. The contractor is fully responsible for providing, installing, and maintaining all required infection‑control barriers, HEPA filtration units, and filter replacements needed to comply with the applicable ICRA measures. If field conditions require any adjustment to the ICRA category, it will be confirmed with the COR at the pre‑construction conference and addressed in accordance with the contract.

END OF RFI RESPONSES

SOLICITATION# 36C26125R0038

PROJECT NUMBER: 654- 22-003