Phase One RFI Q-A Response 10-20-2026.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers for Solicitation No. 36C26126R0055

Install Parking Lot Shades & Parking Lot Reconfiguration

VA Medical Center Las Vegas — Project 593-26-306

RFI #1:

Solicitation section 2.1 Definitions Size - Can the Government please allow design build projects with a total construction value of $2,500,00 or more?

RFI #1 VA Answer:

The Government has reviewed the request and determined that the criteria will remain as written. These thresholds were established to ensure offerors demonstrate experience that is genuinely comparable to the scope and complexity of this project. Adjusting them at this stage could reduce the effectiveness of the evaluation criteria and compromise fair and consistent treatment of all offerors.

For these reasons, the Government will not revise the project size or recency requirements.

Offerors are encouraged to submit their most relevant projects that align as closely as possible with the stated criteria. All submissions will be evaluated in accordance with the solicitation.

Offerors are reminded that any changes to the solicitation, if deemed necessary, would be issued formally through an amendment. At this time, the Government has determined that the project size and recency requirements remain appropriate and will not be revised.

RFI #2:

Solicitation section 2.1 Definitions Recency – Can the Government please allow projects completed in the previous six (6) calendar years from the issue date of this RFP?

RFI #2 VA Answer:

See RFI #1 VA Answer.

RFI #3:

Solicitation section 2.4 Phase-One Factor 2 Experience/Specialized Experience Please confirm if the projects submitted in sections 1-2 meet the qualifications for sections 3-4, then a total of four (4) projects for Factor 2 is acceptable.

RFI #3 VA Answer:

The project submission requirements for Factor 2, including the maximum number of projects allowed in Sections 1–4 and the conditions under which projects may be reused, are fully described in the amended Instruction to Offerors. The Government is not modifying these requirements through this RFI.

Offerors should rely on the amended Instruction to Offerors to determine whether a project meets the criteria for submission in a particular section and whether it may be reused.

Each section of Factor 2 contains distinct qualification criteria and submission limits, and project reuse is permitted only where expressly allowed and only when all stated conditions are satisfied.

The total number of projects included in an Offeror’s Factor 2 submission may vary depending on whether the proposed projects meet the requirements for each section and comply with the reuse provisions in the amended Instruction to Offerors. The Government will evaluate only the information provided in Attachment A in accordance with those requirements.

RFI #4:

Solicitation section 1.1 Solicitation Introduction The list of Attachments includes "SOW 07- 24-2026". This attachment is not posted on SAM.gov. Please provide attachment "SOW 07- 24-2026".

RFI #4 VA Answer:

The Statement of Work “SOW 07-24-2026.” referenced in Section 1.1 has been added to SAM.gov through amendment and is now available as part of the solicitation package.

RFI #5:

Site Visit It was stated at the site visit that the VASNHS does not intend to install any more solar panels on campus and solar panels are not part of the scope of this project. Please confirm that solar panels are not included in this project and the design of the shade structures shall not include support for future rooftop solar panels.

RFI #5 VA Answer:

Confirmed; per SOW section 2.1 General Basis of Design “[n]ew canopies shall be engineered for shade-only (wind/gravity) loading; structural members shall be optimized accordingly and shall not replicate the heavier member sizing associated with photovoltaic loading in the reference documents”

RFI #6:

Statement of Work not included in the posted package The solicitation lists Attachment SOW 07-24-2026 among the attachments at Part I, paragraph 1.1, and again at paragraph

4.18. Price/Cost Schedule CLIN 0001 requires the Contractor to furnish design and construction in accordance with the Statement of Work. The Statement of Work was not located in the package posted to SAM.gov. Request the Government issue Attachment SOW 07-24-2026 by amendment. Offerors cannot scope or price this requirement without it.

RFI #6 VA Answer:

See RFI #4 VA Answer.

RFI #7:

Physical limits of work and which reference documents are contractual Three reference documents were issued, each prepared under a different VA project number: Assignment 44 BOD Conceptual Design for Carports (Project 593-26-302, Lots A, E and F), Assignment 21 Draft Schematic Design and Report (Project 593-25-307, pedestrian safety reconfiguration), and Assignment 44 Parking Study (Project 593-26-302). This solicitation is Project 593-26-306. The Assignment 21 drawings are stamped NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.

(a) Please confirm the physical limits of work, identified by parking lot, roadway and entrance.

(b) Please confirm whether Parking Lot G, the main campus loop road, and Entrances B and H are within the scope of this contract.

(c) Please confirm whether the three reference documents are contractual requirements, or are furnished as background planning information only.

RFI #7 VA Answer:

(a) Physical limits of work vary per scope of work, prescribed in 2.0 Scope of the SOW. (b) Some scope of work items pertain to Parking Lot G and the main campus loop road. The VA is unaware of any scope of work items pertaining to Entrances for this project. (c) The reference documents are supplied for contractual basis-of-design for the design-build process.

RFI #8:

Solar photovoltaic scope Assignment 44 BOD, Section 4.6, states that covering all interior and perimeter stalls in Lots A, E and F would provide approximately 150,000 square feet of added solar panel area, and that the existing solar farm footprint could be reduced by approximately the same amount. The Attachment Price Breakdown Form includes a line for Division 48, Electrical Power Generation. CLIN 0001 and the project title reference parking lot shades and parking lot reconfiguration only, and do not mention photovoltaic work.

(a) Is photovoltaic equipment, including modules, racking, inverters, collection and interconnection, within the scope of this contract?

(b) If yes, are the new canopy structures required to be designed to support photovoltaic dead load, uplift and racking attachment?

(c) If photovoltaic equipment is not within the scope of this contract, does the Government require the Contractor to install empty underground conduit, pull boxes and stub-ups from the new canopy rows to a designated point of connection to accommodate a future photovoltaic installation? If so, please state the required conduit quantity, size, depth and routing, or the design basis the Contractor is to apply. Installing this provision after the new pavement, foundations and flatwork are complete would require removal and replacement of new work, so the requirement needs to be established before design.

(d) If yes, is reduction, relocation or decommissioning of any portion of the existing solar farm within the scope of this contract?

RFI #8 VA Answer:

The Attachment “Price Breakdown Form” is a generic template that houses all possible divisions for construction, not necessarily those divisions that are applicable. (a)-(d) Please see response to RFI # 5.

RFI #9:

Ownership and coordination of the existing photovoltaic system Assignment 44 BOD, Section 4.6, describes existing carport-mounted photovoltaic panels and an existing solar farm of approximately 196,111 square feet. No as-built drawings, interconnection documents, ownership information or operating agreements for these systems were issued.

(a) Please identify the owner and the operator of the existing carport photovoltaic system and the existing solar farm.

(b) If either system is owned or operated by a third party, please identify the coordination and access protocol the Contractor will be required to follow.

(c) Please provide available as-built drawings and one-line diagrams for the existing photovoltaic collection system, which will be encountered during excavation for canopy foundations.

RFI #9 VA Answer:

Photovoltaic system as-built drawings can be provided to the awardee. Although portions of the photovoltaic system may be encountered during excavation, the scope of work requires the contractor to perform underground utility locating to verify existing as-builts and identify any discrepancies that may not be reflected in the provided documentation

RFI #10:

Minimum parking availability during construction Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.6.I.1, requires the Medical Center to maintain operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Part II, paragraph 2.1, defines relevant experience to include parking lot reconfiguration with maintained parking availability during construction. No minimum stall availability is stated anywhere in the solicitation.

(a) Please state the minimum number of parking stalls, by lot, that must remain available to patients, visitors and staff at all times during construction.

(b) Please state the minimum number of accessible stalls that must remain available, by lot, and the maximum acceptable distance from a building entrance.

(c) Please confirm whether the Contractor may take an entire parking lot out of service at one time, and if not, the maximum area or stall count that may be closed concurrently.

(d) Please identify any Government-provided remote or overflow parking, or shuttle service, available to offset stalls taken out of service.

RFI #10 VA Answer:

The Statement of Work (SOW) requires the contractor to maintain hospital operations and parking availability through phased, well-planned closures. All parking impacts must be submitted to the VA for review via the required Parking Lot Closure and Traffic Management Plan.

Per the SOW, section 6.2 “all work carried out for this contract shall maintain hospital operations; phase work to keep maximum parking availability,” and closures must be “[sequenced] in short, managed segments with clear detours and temporary, accessible routes.” (Section 6.2.1)

The VA does not specify stall minimums, allowable closure sizes, or additional overflow parking resources. The contractor is responsible for proposing phasing, accessible routes, and any needed supplemental measures for VA review and acceptance.

RFI #11:

Work hours and permitted shifts Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.6.I, requires coordination of all work with the COR. Paragraph 1.6.K.3 states that interruption time approved by the Medical Center may occur at other than the Contractor's normal working hours. Permitted working hours are not stated in the solicitation.

(a) Please state the permitted working hours on the campus.

(b) Please confirm whether night, weekend and Federal holiday work is permitted, and whether any portion of the work is required to be performed outside normal working hours.

(c) Please identify any noise-restricted areas or time windows adjacent to Parking Lots A, E and F.

RFI #11 VA Answer:

The Statement of Work (SOW) Section 6.0 identifies the facility’s normal duty hours as 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. These hours describe facility operations, not contractor working-hour limitations Per Specification 01 00 00 and the SOW’s coordination requirements, night, weekend, and Federal holiday work is permitted when fully coordinated with and approved by the VA COR; As required by the SOW, all proposed work hours and any anticipated interruptions must be incorporated into the Parking Lot Closure and Traffic Management Plan for VA review and acceptance.

Noise restrictions shall abide by Specification 01 57 19 Section 2.5 Protection of Environmental Resources, and must be identified and coordinated with the VA COR as part of submitted plans for review and acceptance.

RFI #12:

Definition of Phase One and Phase Two within the 550 calendar day period of performance Price/Cost Schedule CLIN 0001 states that project completion for Phase one (1) and Phase two (2) is 550 calendar days after Phase one (1) NTP. The term Phase is also used in Part II to describe the two-phase source selection procedure.

(a) Please define Phase One and Phase Two as used in the period of performance.

(b) Please confirm whether the 550 calendar days includes the design period, or runs from a separate construction Notice to Proceed.

(c) Please confirm whether a separate Notice to Proceed will be issued for construction.

RFI #12 VA Answer:

(a) Definition of Phase One and Phase Two as used in the Period of Performance?

For purposes of contract execution, Phase One refers to the Design Phase of the project, and Phase Two refers to the Construction Phase. These phases correspond to the project delivery sequence and not to the “Phase One / Phase Two” terminology used in the two-phase source selection procedures under RFO Subpart 36.101. The source-selection phases conclude at contract award and do not govern the contractual period of performance.

(b) Confirmation whether the 550 calendar days includes the design period or runs from a separate construction Notice to Proceed?

The 550-calendar-day Period of Performance (PoP) encompasses both Phase One (Design) and Phase Two (Construction). The Period of Performance begins upon issuance of the single Notice to Proceed (NTP) and runs continuously through completion of all contractual requirements, including design development, Government review and approval cycles, and construction completion.

There is no separate PoP for design and construction; they are collectively bounded within the single 550 calendar day duration.

(c) Confirmation whether a separate Notice to Proceed will be issued for construction

The Government will issue one Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the project. This NTP authorizes commencement of Phase One (Design) activities and establishes the start of the 550-calendar-day Period of Performance governing project completion of both the design and construction phases.

Although the Statement of Work (SOW) allows the Government to issue a second or separate NTP for construction at approximately the 65% design milestone, the transition from design to construction may instead be managed through approved design submittals and applicable contractual requirements without the need for an additional NTP.

Regardless of whether a second NTP is issued, the overall Period of Performance remains 550 calendar days from the issuance of the original Phase One Design NTP, and the issuance of a subsequent construction NTP—if used does not modify, extend, or otherwise alter the contractual completion deadline.

RFI #13:

Design submittal stages and Government review durations Part II, paragraph 2.5, Factor 5, requires the proposed schedule to indicate timeframes for Government design submittal review and design review conferences in accordance with Specification requirements, and states that the Government prefers to review as few submittal packages as possible. No design submittal stages, submittal content requirements or Government review durations are stated in the solicitation or the specifications.

(a) Please state the required design submittal stages and the content required at each stage.

(b) Please state the Government review duration for each design submittal.

(c) Please confirm the number of design review conferences the Contractor is required to support.

RFI #13 VA Answer:

The Statement of Work (SOW) Sections 2.0 through 5.0 identify the required design submittal stages, associated content, and the design review conferences the contractor must support.

In alignment with the construction review period, the Government design review duration for each submittal shall be 14 calendar days

RFI #14:

Geotechnical report and subsurface data Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.11.A, identifies the firm performing site investigations with a blank fill-in. Paragraph 1.11.B states that subsurface conditions have been developed by core borings and test pits and that logs of subsurface exploration are shown diagrammatically on drawings. Paragraph 1.11.C states a copy of the soil report will be made available on request to the Engineering Officer, with the Medical Center address left blank. No boring logs, test pit logs, soil report or drawings showing subsurface data were issued with the solicitation.

(a) Does a Government geotechnical report exist for this site? If so, please issue it by amendment.

(b) If no report exists, please confirm that Specification 01 00 00 paragraph 1.11 is not applicable and that the Contractor is responsible for performing all subsurface investigation.

(c) Please identify any known caliche, expansive soil, collapsible soil or shallow groundwater conditions documented on this campus.

RFI #14 VA Answer:

Per the Statement of Work (SOW), no Government-provided geotechnical report, boring logs, test pit logs, or subsurface data were issued with the solicitation. The SOW requires the Design-Build AE team to perform all necessary geotechnical investigations as part of developing the project’s design deliverables.

Accordingly, a Government geotechnical report does not exist for issuance by amendment;

the contractor shall perform all subsurface investigations needed to support the design, including borings, test pits, and soils analysis, in accordance with the investigative requirements outlined in the SOW.

The VA does not provide campus-wide geotechnical characterizations such as caliche presence, expansive soils, collapsible soils, or shallow groundwater conditions for this project. Identification of subsurface conditions is the contractor’s responsibility through required field investigations and reporting, as prescribed in the SOW.

RFI #15:

Existing carport structure and foundation Assignment 44 BOD, Section 4.1.1, describes the existing canopy foundation as reinforced concrete piers extending approximately 3 feet 0 inches above grade, and states that the concrete foundation does extend below grade, but the depth was not confirmed. Attachment Existing Carport Design was issued, but does not contain sufficient information to confirm the foundation design.

(a) Please provide the original structural drawings, calculations and specifications for the existing carport canopies, including pier depth, diameter, reinforcing, and the column-to-foundation connection detail.

(b) Please provide the original canopy manufacturer and product designation, if known to the Government.

RFI #15 VA Answer:

The existing carport design information provided in attachment 593-14R-200 – Existing Carport Design contains the extent of structural details available to the VA at this time.

Detail 5 and Detail 11 depict foundation configurations, including pier and alternate spread footing information; however, the VA cannot confirm which detail was used during the original construction.

As required under the Design-Build process, the contractor is responsible for verifying existing field conditions—including foundation dimensions, reinforcing, and subsurface characteristics—as part of its design development, consistent with the investigative requirements described in the SOW.

RFI #16:

Requirement to match the existing canopy system while meeting current codes Assignment 44 BOD, Section 4.5, states that the new canopy structure shall match the existing canopy structure as noted in Figure 1, and that the existing canopy structure to be used in Lots A, E and F shall meet all current design codes and requirements. The existing system predates current editions of ASCE 7 and the International Building Code.

(a) Please confirm that in the event the existing canopy configuration cannot be made to comply with currently adopted wind and seismic criteria, current code compliance governs and visual or structural matching of the existing system is not required.

(b) Please state the Risk Category and the governing building code edition the Government requires for the new canopy structures.

(c) Please confirm whether an alternative canopy structural system is acceptable provided it meets current code and the Government's functional requirements.

RFI #16 VA Answer:

The Statement of Work (SOW) requires the Design-Build AE to engineer new shade canopies that meet all current applicable structural codes while maintaining visual compatibility with the existing campus canopy aesthetic. The existing canopy system was originally designed to support photovoltaic loads, resulting in heavier structural members and a slope configuration that accommodated both solar performance and water shedding. While the VA intends to maintain the general appearance—including slope, height, and width—where feasible, replication of the original load-bearing system is not required. The new canopies are shade-only structures and may be lighter, with final structural configuration determined by the Design-Build AE.

Accordingly, if the existing canopy configuration cannot be adapted to meet currently adopted wind or seismic criteria, compliance with current codes shall govern. The governing codes for the project are the currently adopted VA standards, including the International Building Code (IBC) and applicable structural criteria. The Risk Category shall be determined by the Design-Build structural engineer in accordance with code requirements, subject to VA review.

Alternative canopy structural systems are acceptable, provided they meet current code requirements and satisfy the VA’s functional intent for shade-only structures while preserving the campus aesthetic.

RFI #17:

Structural observations, conflicting requirements Specification 01 45 35, paragraph 1.4.A, requires a registered design professional to perform structural observations during construction, and states that the registered design professional performing these observations will be a representative of the Designer of Record. Paragraph 1.6.B states that structural observations will be performed by the Government. Paragraph 1.7.K defines the

Designer of Record as a registered design professional contracted by the Government as an A/E.

(a) Please confirm which party performs structural observations on this design-build contract.

(b) Please confirm that under this design-build delivery, the Designer of Record is the Contractor's architect-engineer of record, notwithstanding the definition at paragraph 1.7.K.

RFI #17 VA Answer:

Specification section 01 45 35 contains two statements regarding structural observations.

Paragraph 1.4.A requires that a registered design professional—acting as the Designer of Record (DOR)—perform structural observations during construction. Paragraph 1.6.B states that structural observations will be performed by the Government. These requirements are not mutually exclusive.

Under this design-build contract, the Contractor’s Designer of Record is responsible for performing structural observations as required by paragraph 1.4.A. The Government may also perform its own structural observations through a qualified third party.

The definition of Designer of Record in paragraph 1.7.K applies: the DOR is the registered design professional responsible for the project’s design and submittal review. For this design-build project, the DOR is provided by the Contractor’s AE team

RFI #18:

Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special Inspections Specification 01 45 35, paragraph 1.6.A, states that the Statement of Special Inspections and Schedule of Special Inspections are included as an attachment to this specification. Neither document was issued with the solicitation. Paragraph 1.7.L assigns preparation of the Statement of Special Inspections to the Designer of Record.

(a) Please issue the Statement of Special Inspections and the Schedule of Special Inspections, or confirm that the Contractor's Designer of Record is responsible for preparing both.

(b) Please confirm the Seismic Design Category and design wind speed applicable to this site, which determine whether a Special Inspector of Record is required under paragraph 1.7.H.

RFI #18 VA Answer:

The Contractor’s Designer of Record is responsible for preparing both the Statement of Special Inspections and the Schedule of Special Inspections. The applicable Seismic Design Category and design wind speed shall be determined by the Designer of Record in accordance with current codes and project conditions, subject to VA review.

RFI #19:

Specification sections referenced but not issued The following specification sections are referenced in the issued documents but were not included in Attachment Specifications 08-17-2026:

(a) Section 01 35 26, Safety Requirements, referenced at Specification 01 00 00 paragraph 1.1.A and Specification 01 45 00 paragraph 3.4.A. Please issue this section, or confirm the governing safety standard for this contract and the required qualifications of the Safety and Health Manager.

(b) Section 01 45 29, Testing Laboratory Services, referenced at Specification 01 45 00 paragraph 3.7.B. Please issue this section, or state the laboratory validation procedure the Government will apply.

(c) Section 01 91 00, General Commissioning Requirements, referenced at Specification 01 45 00 paragraph 3.5. Please confirm whether commissioning applies to this contract and, if so, issue the section and identify the systems to be commissioned.

RFI #19 VA Answer:

Safety requirements, testing laboratory services, and commissioning requirements shall follow the governing standards and procedures prescribed in VA specifications and applicable regulations. Where referenced sections were not issued, the Contractor’s Designer of Record shall generate the required content as part of the design-build effort.

RFI #20:

Existing utility records and topographic survey Assignment 21, sheet G-001, General Note 1, states that the existing underground utilities shown are based upon available information provided by the VAMC. General Note 2 and Section 4.2 reference a VA provided survey. Neither the utility records nor the survey were issued with the solicitation.

(a) Please provide available site utility as-built drawings and the campus utility GIS, if one exists.

(b) Please provide the VA topographic survey referenced in Assignment 21.

(c) Part II, paragraph 2.4, Factor 2, item 4(c), references Subsurface Utility Engineering Level A/B information and potholing. Please confirm the SUE quality level the Government requires the Contractor to achieve and deliver.

RFI #20 VA Answer:

Any available site utility as-builts, GIS data (if applicable), and the referenced topographic survey will be provided to the awardee. Required Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Level A/B investigations shall be completed by the Contractor as part of the design-build scope.

RFI #21:

Drainage analysis, stormwater and dust control permitting Assignment 21, sheet C-101, General Note 2, states that the proposed pedestrian speed tables may cause storm water that typically sheet flows to consolidate and create shallow concentrated flows, and that a full grading analysis shall be required prior to full design. Assignment 44 Parking Study addresses preservation of flow paths and stormwater system compatibility. No existing drainage as-builts, drainage study or system capacity information was issued.

(a) Please provide existing storm drainage as-built drawings and any available drainage study for the campus.

(b) Please confirm whether detention, retention or a drainage report is required for added impervious area or modified flow paths.

(c) Please confirm which party obtains the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection construction stormwater permit, and whether the VA holds an existing campus permit to be amended.

(d) Please confirm which party obtains the Clark County Department of Air Quality dust control permit.

RFI #21 VA Answer:

Existing drainage as-builts and available studies will be provided to the awardee. Drainage analysis, added impervious considerations, and flow-path preservation shall be addressed by the Designer of Record. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining required stormwater and dust control permits.

RFI #22:

Site and canopy lighting Assignment 21, Section 4.6, states that a lighting analysis was not performed as part of that task and that the lighting analysis should be performed by the designer of record for this project.

(a) Please confirm whether the new canopy structures are required to carry parking lot lighting.

(b) Please confirm whether existing parking lot pole lighting is to be removed, relocated or retained.

(c) Please state the illumination criteria the Government requires for parking areas and pedestrian walkways, or confirm that PG-18-10 governs.

(d) Please provide existing site electrical as-built drawings and available panel capacity information.

RFI #22 VA Answer:

Parking and pedestrian lighting shall meet VA design criteria and PG-18-10. The Designer of Record shall determine whether lighting is mounted on canopies or poles. Adjustments to existing pole lighting shall be proposed by the contractor and reviewed by VA. Existing site electrical information will be provided to awardee.

RFI #23:

Accessible parking requirements after reconfiguration Assignment 21 and Assignment 44 both reference the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard and the VA Barrier-Free Design Guide. No existing accessible stall inventory and no required accessible stall count were issued.

(a) Please provide the existing accessible parking stall inventory by lot.

(b) Please state the number and distribution of accessible parking stalls required upon completion.

(c) Please confirm whether any net reduction in total stall count is acceptable if required to achieve compliant accessible routes.

RFI #23 VA Answer:

Existing accessible stall inventory will be provided to the awardee but shall be verified by the Design-build contractor. Final accessible stall counts and routing shall comply with ADA, ABAAS, and VA Barrier-Free Design Guide requirements. A reduction in total stall count is permitted if required to achieve compliant accessible routes, provided that the reduction abides by the requirements above and is reviewed and approved by the VA.

RFI #24:

Parking infill scope and tree removal Assignment 44 Parking Study concludes that by strategically restriping underutilized landscape areas the site can accommodate a total of 61 additional parking stalls without requiring major redesign. The same document also identifies cut and fill adjustments, edge restraints and subgrade improvements as potentially required. Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.9.A, and FAR 52.236-9 require specific authorization before removing trees.

(a) Please confirm that the infill parking areas require full pavement section construction, including clearing, subgrade preparation, aggregate base, asphalt paving and edge restraint, rather than restriping alone.

(b) Please confirm whether removal of existing trees and shrubs in the landscape areas identified for infill will be authorized.

(c) If tree removal will not be authorized in a given location, please confirm the corresponding infill stalls are deleted from the requirement.

(d) Please state the required restoration standard for disturbed landscape areas, and provide available irrigation as-built drawings.

RFI #24 VA Answer:

Infill areas require full pavement section construction. Tree and shrub removal will be authorized as needed. If removal is not permitted at a specific location, associated infill stalls will be removed from the requirement. Landscape restoration shall follow VA standards, and irrigation as-builts will be provided to the awardee if available to the VA.

RFI #25:

Contractor laydown, storage, parking and project signage Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.6.D, states that working space and space available for storing materials shall be as shown on the drawings. Paragraph 1.6.J references a construction area indicated on the drawings. Paragraph 1.29.D states that a detail drawing of the construction sign is shown on the drawings. Paragraph 1.30.D references sign details shown on the drawings. No such drawings were issued. Paragraph 1.6.G.2 further limits delivery of materials to the immediate working area to quantities sufficient for not more than two work days, which makes the location of an available offloading and staging area a controlling constraint on the canopy erection sequence.

(a) Please designate the contractor laydown, material storage, job trailer and contractor employee parking areas.

(b) Please provide the construction sign and safety sign details, or confirm the required legend, dimensions and location.

(c) Please identify the gates and haul routes the Contractor is required to use, and any vehicle weight, length or height restrictions on the campus. Structural steel for the canopy work will arrive on long-load trailers. Please also identify where oversize and long-load deliveries may be received and offloaded, whether a drive aisle or a portion of a parking lot may be temporarily closed to receive and offload deliveries, whether offloading by crane or forklift within the parking areas is permitted, and whether deliveries are restricted to specific hours or require escort.

RFI #25 VA Answer:

Contractor laydown area and parking will be issued. Construction sign and safety sign details shall be designed by the awarded Design-Build contractor and shall abide by VA TIL Requirements for signage. Oversize and long-load deliveries typically enter on the E Deer Springs Way entrances. If drive aisles or portions of parking lots need to be closed to offload deliveries, or if the use of a crane or forklift is needed, this shall be documented in the the required Parking Lot Closure and Traffic Management Plan and relevant work/safety plans to the VA for review and acceptance.

RFI #26:

Personnel vetting, badging and site access VAAR 852.204-72 designates all positions under this contract as To Be Determined After Award at Tier 1, Low Risk. Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.5.B.1, requires appropriate badges for all employees, and paragraph 1.5.E.1 requires vehicle authorization requests 24 hours before access.

(a) Please state the expected processing time for contractor badging from submission of a complete package.

(b) Please state whether the Government limits the number of contractor badges issued at one time.

(c) Please confirm whether unbadged personnel may work under escort, and if so, which party provides the escort.

(d) Please confirm the process and lead time for vehicle authorization requests for construction equipment and delivery vehicles.

RFI #26 VA Answer:

Badging typically requires 30–45 days after submission of complete documentation. While there is no limit on the number of badges that may be issued, the VA may prioritize badging for personnel who will be onsite for the majority of the project (e.g., Superintendent, Safety, Quality Control) to streamline processing and avoid delays. Unbadged personnel must still submit the appropriate paperwork for site clearance and may work under Contractor-provided escort coordinated with the VA. Any individual processed and determined “unfavorable” shall be promptly removed from the premises. For the scope of this project, badging delays should not lead to any schedule delays, as all work is confined to outside. Vehicle authorization requests require 24-hour notice in accordance with Specification 01 00 00.

RFI #27:

Other contractors performing work on the campus FAR 52.236-8, Other Contracts, is incorporated. Attachment ED Parking Expansion consists of sheets GI005 and GI006 from the Diagnostic Imaging Center Expansion, VA Project 593-407, issued as 100% Construction Documents dated 05-30-2025, which include work at the existing emergency department parking lot.

(a) Please identify all other contractors expected to be performing work on this campus during the period of performance, and their approximate schedules.

(b) Please state the required coordination protocol, including shared laydown, haul routes and concurrent lane or lot closures.

(c) Please confirm whether the work shown on Attachment ED Parking Expansion is within the scope of this contract or is being performed under a separate contract.

RFI #27 VA Answer:

VA will identify active campus contractors and their schedules to the awardee. Required coordination protocols will be established during project kickoff. Scope for ED Parking Expansion is within the scope of this contract.

RFI #28:

Photographic documentation requirement Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.31, requires photographic documentation including interior progressions, documentation of slab pours prior to placing concrete, in-wall mechanical, electrical and plumbing documentation, exterior skin and elevation documentation including window flashing and Exterior Insulation and Finish System detailing, and interior documentation at certificate of occupancy. This project consists of site work and open canopy structures and contains no building. Paragraph 1.31.G requires the Permanent Record to have Building Information Modeling interface capabilities, while no BIM deliverable is required elsewhere in the solicitation. Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.5.B.3, prohibits photography of VA premises without written permission of the Contracting Officer.

(a) Please confirm which subparagraphs of 01 00 00 paragraph 1.31.B apply to this project, and confirm that the building-specific subparagraphs are not applicable.

(b) Please confirm the required number and frequency of photographic progressions for a site-only project, and reconcile these with the image count table in paragraph 1.31.

(c) Please confirm whether the Building Information Modeling interface capability required at paragraph 1.31.G applies to this contract.

(d) Please confirm the process by which the Contractor obtains written permission for photography under paragraph 1.5.B.3.

RFI #28 VA Answer:

Please see the Statement of Work (SOW) attached to the solicitation for information on what photographic documentation is applicable. The contracted Design-Build contractor shall confirm the required number and frequency of photographic progressions for the SOW and reconcile these with the image count table in paragraph 1.31, applicability of BIM requirements per design deliverables stated in the SOW, and coordinate with the Contracting Officer for written approval of photography.

RFI #29:

Order of precedence The General Conditions include FAR 52.212-4, Terms and Conditions, Commercial Products and Commercial Services, whose paragraph (r) establishes an order of precedence placing the specification eighth and last. The contract also incorporates FAR 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, and VAAR 852.236-71, Specifications and Drawings for Construction, at Section 4.8.

Please confirm the order of precedence applicable to this construction contract, and confirm whether FAR 52.212-4(r) is intended to govern in the event of an inconsistency between the specifications and other contract documents.

RFI #29 VA Answer:

The contract incorporates three relevant clauses:

• FAR 52.212-4(r), Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Order of Precedence), as modified by amendment to place the Specifications first in the hierarchy.

• FAR 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction.

• VAAR 852.236-71, Specifications and Drawings for Construction.

Because this requirement is a construction acquisition, the Government’s intent is that the construction-specific clauses—FAR 52.236-21 and VAAR 852.236-71—govern the interpretation of specifications, drawings, and technical documents. These clauses are purpose-built for construction contracts and establish the controlling framework for resolving inconsistencies within technical requirements.

Regarding FAR 52.212-4(r):

Commercial Construction Clause 52.212-4(r) has been modified through amendment, so that “Specifications” appear first in its order of precedence, it is not intended to supersede or displace the construction-specific authority of FAR 52.236-21 and VAAR 852.236-71. Its modified hierarchy ensures internal alignment where FAR 52.212-4 applies, but the clause does not override the construction-specific precedence rules when inconsistencies involve specifications, drawings, or technical materials.

Accordingly:

The applicable order of precedence for technical requirements in this construction contract is established by FAR 52.236-21 and VAAR 852.236-71.

FAR 52.212-4(r), as amended to place Specifications first, does not govern in the event of an inconsistency between specifications and other construction documents.

In any conflict involving specifications or drawings, the construction-specific clauses control.

RFI #30:

Applicability of Executive Order wage and leave clauses Section 4.8 incorporates FAR 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Deviation November 2025), and FAR 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Deviation November 2025).

Please confirm whether FAR 52.222-55 and FAR 52.222-62 are applicable to and will be enforced under the resultant contract, so that offerors price labor on a consistent basis.

RFI #30 VA Answer:

Applicability of Executive Order wage and leave clauses Section 4.8 incorporates FAR 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Deviation November 2025), and FAR 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Deviation November 2025).

Please confirm whether FAR 52.222-55 and FAR 52.222-62 are applicable to and will be enforced under the resultant contract, so that offerors price labor on a consistent basis.

RFI #31:

Wage determination Part I, paragraph 1.1, identifies Department of Labor General Decision NV20260091 dated 07-30-2026 as the applicable wage determination.

(a) Please confirm that General Decision NV20260091 dated 07-30-2026 is the wage determination that will be incorporated at award, and confirm the schedule type, building or heavy, that applies to this work.

(b) Please confirm whether the Government anticipates that any classification required for this work is not listed in the wage determination and will require a conformance action under 29 CFR 5.5(a)(1)(ii).

RFI #31 VA Answer:

(a) The Government confirms that Department of Labor General Decision NV20260091, dated 07-30-2026, is the applicable wage determination referenced in the solicitation at the time of issuance. As stated in the solicitation, all wage determinations are subject to change. If an updated wage determination is issued by the Department of Labor prior to award and is applicable to this procurement, the Government will incorporate the updated wage determination through formal amendment.

Regarding schedule type: Based on the current project scope and the nature of the construction activities described in the solicitation, the Government anticipates that the “Building” construction schedule will apply. Should clarifications to the design or scope during Phase 2 require reassessment, the Government will evaluate and identify the appropriate schedule type in accordance with DOL definitions.

(b) At this time, the Government does not anticipate the need for any labor classifications beyond those already included in Wage Determination NV20260091. However, because this is a design-build procurement and certain construction means, methods, or specialized subcontracting approaches may vary by offeror, the Government cannot conclusively determine whether an unlisted labor classification may become necessary during performance.

If an offeror identifies a labor classification essential to performing the work that is not included in the wage determination, the contractor will be required to submit a conformance request in accordance with 29 CFR 5.5(a)(1)(ii) after award. The Government will review such requests consistent with regulatory requirements and forward them to the Department of Labor for final approval. Offerors are encouraged to review their proposed construction approach and labor strategy to determine whether any potential classifications may require conformance and should price and plan their proposals accordingly.

RFI #32:

Specification provisions that appear inapplicable Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.22.D, directs the Contractor to obtain heat by connecting to the Medical Center Cemetery heating distribution system and states that steam is available at no cost. Paragraph 1.22.G addresses fuel for boiler cleaning, boiler-burner setup and boiler tests. This project consists of parking lot shade structures and site work and includes no building, boiler or heating system.

Please confirm that paragraphs 1.22.D and 1.22.G of Specification 01 00 00 are not applicable to this contract.

RFI #32 VA Answer:

Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.22.D speaks to the availability and use of the available utility services, specifically Heat to “prevent injury to work and materials through dampness and cold.” The following section 1 should read as follows: “Obtain heat by connecting to Medical Center heating distribution system” The awarded Design-Build contractor must assess and determine applicability to this contract. Part 1.22.G will not apply.

RFI #33:

VA TRIRIGA CPMS access Specification 01 00 00, paragraph 1.34, requires the Contractor to procure VA TRIRIGA CPMS access as part of the cost of performance.

Please confirm the number of user licenses the Contractor is required to procure, and the license period, so that the cost may be carried consistently by all offerors.

RFI #33 VA Answer:

This is a Design-Build procurement. Accordingly, the specifications issued with the solicitation are provided as reference criteria to establish the required performance, functional outcomes, and design parameters. They are not intended to serve as prescriptive construction documents, and offerors remain responsible for developing a complete design solution that meets or exceeds these criteria.

References in Specification 01 00 00 to VA TRIRIGA/CPMS are included for general administrative context only. These references do not create any proposal or pricing requirement for offerors. Offerors are not required to procure, price, or obtain TRIRIGA/CPMS access for purposes of submitting a Phase 1 or Phase 2 offer.

If necessary, TRIRIGA/CPMS access will be coordinated by the Government post-award in accordance with VA procedures. No action related to TRIRIGA/CPMS is required from offerors in preparing their proposals.

RFI #34:

Bid alternates and pricing format The Attachment Price Breakdown Form provides a division-level breakdown with no provision for separately priced alternates or unit prices.

Attachment ED Parking Expansion, sheet GI005, indicates that the Government has used bid alternates on other projects at this campus.

(a) Please confirm whether the Government requires or will accept separately priced bid alternates, deductive options or unit prices with the Phase Two price proposal.

(b) If so, please provide the required format, or confirm that offerors may append additional lines to the Price Breakdown Form.

RFI #34 VA Answer:

(a) The Government does not require offerors to submit separately priced bid alternates, deductive options, or unit prices as part of the Phase One or Phase Two solicitation proposal. The Price Breakdown Form included in the solicitation identifies the required pricing format for proposal submission. Although SOW Sections 2.4.4, 2.1.7.2, and 7.1.1 reference deduct alternates as a post-award design consideration, those sections do not require offerors to submit or price deduct alternates, deductive options, or unit prices with their proposals and they are not evaluated as part of source selection.

(b) Because separately priced bid alternates, deductive options, and unit prices are not required solicitation proposal elements, the Price Breakdown Form provided in the solicitation is the required format for proposal pricing.

RFI #35:

Attachment C, Key Personnel Part II, paragraph 2.5, Factor 4, requires the offeror to submit the Key Personnel information shown in Attachment (C). Attachment C was not included in the posted solicitation package.

Please issue Attachment C, or confirm that it will be issued with the Phase Two request for proposals.

RFI #35 VA Answer:

Attachment – Phase 2 Factor 4 Offerors Key Personnel- will be issued as part of the Phase Two Request for Proposals. Phase Two Offerors will receive the complete Attachment C package, along with all other Phase Two documents, through a formal amendment. No action is required from Offerors at this time.

RFI #36:

Request for Information period for Phase Two Part I, paragraph 1.4, establishes a Request for Information due date of September 24, 2026 for this solicitation. Part II, paragraph 2.5, states that responses to the Phase-Two Request for Proposal will only be accepted after Phase-One is complete, and only from the selected offerors. The solicitation does not state whether a Request for Information period will be established for Phase Two, at which point offerors will develop and submit price.

(a) Will the Government establish a Request for Information period for Phase Two? If so, please state the anticipated timeframe.

(b) Will the Phase Two request for proposals be issued as an amendment to this solicitation, or as a separate solicitation document?

(c) Part II, paragraph 2.5, Factor 5, directs that narratives and schedules shall not propose variances from contract requirements or propose contractual conditions. Offerors therefore cannot qualify a Phase Two submission with assumptions. Please confirm the mechanism by which offerors may resolve technical questions that arise during preparation of Phase Two pricing.

RFI #36 VA Answer:

(a) The Government will establish an RFI period for Phase Two. As stated previously, this RFI window will be announced in the Phase…