Amendment 0005 Seed Project RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers Seed Project

Project Name: VISN 22 MATOC Seed Project/Project 649‐22‐136

Solicitation Number: 36C26222R0044

Question 1

Q: Multiple Specification Sections refer to Section 28 13 00 – Physical Access Control. Section 28 13 00 was not included in the Final Specifications. Will the VA provide the missing Section 28 13 00?

A: Specification Section 28 13 00 will not be provided for this contract since a new PAC system is not required.

Contractor to interface new elevators into existing PAC system.

Question 2

Q: Will the VA provide the model and manufacturer of the existing Physical Access Control system? Is this system proprietary, and if so, will the VA provide the Vendor contact info for this system?

A: See attached submittal information for the Lab/Pharmacy construction project.

Question 3

Q: Sheet A‐505, Equipment List, Equip. No. R7250 lists “Domestic Refrigerator, Full Size that is Contractor‐ Furnished / Contractor‐Installed. There is a wide variety of “full size” domestic refrigerators. Will the VA provide specifications for this refrigerator?

A: That is a VA supplied item. The “Equipment Responsibility column should be changed to “V/C”

Question 4

Q: Specifications, Table of contents shows Division 11 – Equipment including Sections for Package Transfer Units, Laboratory Fume Hoods, Laboratory Refrigerators, Biological Safety Cabinets Laminar Airflow Stations, and Custom Fabricated Laboratory Equipment. Sheet A‐505, Equipment List Master only lists L2270 Pharmacy Hood, RXXXX Pharmacy Refrigerator, and RYXXX Helmber Refrigerator, all supplied by the VA. Will the VA confirm that none of the equipment listed in the Specifications Division 11 will be supplied by the Contractor?

A: The only piece of equipment listed in the question that will be supplied by the contractor is the Package Transfer Unit, which is mounted in the wall of one of the compounding rooms.

Question 5

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.5‐C requires the Contractor to employ unarmed guards 24 hr./7‐days after construction hours. Will the VA clarify if this will be a requirement for this project?

A: The only time that an unarmed guard would be required is if the Contractor left a breach in the building that compromised a building’s after‐hours security. For example, if the new exterior door to the new Pharmacy Cache was not complete and wasn’t secure by the end of workday an unarmed guard would be needed to be certain that no one came in through the door.

Question 6

Q: Specifications Section 01 00 00, Part 1.7‐P states “Standard daily contract work hours at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) are from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Will the VA confirm that this project will be performed at VA Prescott during normal working hours (AZ Time), except for any utility shutdowns?

A: Yes, the work should be performed between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM MST. After hours work will be for utility shutdowns and any other work that the COR and contractor agree would be better performed after‐hours.

Question 7

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.23 A‐>E requires the Contractor to install meters for electricity use and to pay for electricity utilized in the construction of this project. Will the VA clarify if this section will be enforced for this project and if so, provide the current Kwh cost for electricity?

A: The contractor in not required to meter their electrical or water use during the project.

Question 8

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.29 requires the Contractor to furnish air‐conditioned storage space for VA equipment storage. Will the VA clarify if this will be required for this project and if so, provide the SF requirements and the area designated to set up storage and utilities?

A: Air‐conditioned storage space is not required for VA equipment storage during the project.

Question 9

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.29 requires the Contractor to furnish air‐conditioned storage space for VA equipment storage. Will the VA clarify if this will be required for this project and if so, provide the SF requirements and the area designated to set up storage and utilities?

A: Air‐conditioned storage space is not required for VA equipment storage during the project.

Question 10

Q: Specification Section 1.32 refers to archaeological / historical artifacts. Will the VA confirm that an Archaeologist must be hired by the Contractor to observe all ground disturbing activities? If so, will the VA provide a contact list of VA / Tribal approved Archaeologists?

A: An SoI certified archaeologist is required to have a monitor on site observing the excavation work during all ground disturbing activities. Although this is not an endorsement, Environmental Systems from Flagstaff has been the monitor on the majority of the projects we’ve done that required archaeological monitoring and they’ve done a good job.

Question 11

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.33 states “There will be no parking space on site available to the contractor for staging, container, debris box, or any motor vehicle.” Will the VA clarify if this parking/staging ban will apply to this project and if so, recommend off‐campus parking and storage availability?

A: There is parking space on site for the contractor. The best location for general construction crew parking is at Lot “R” shown on There will be staging and laydown areas available on site.

Question 12

Q: 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. Will the VA clarify if this will be a requirement for this project or will a previously VA accepted application software may be used in lieu of “Submittal Exchange”?

A: Submittal Exchange isn’t required for this project, however some type of submittal transfer and managing software is needed that is acceptable to both parties.

Question 13

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.41 requires the Contractor to produce written documentation that all employees and subcontractor employees have had a PPD tuberculin skin test within the last 12 months. Will the VA confirm this is a requirement for this project?

A: Because of the location of the work, it’s considered necessary that all of the employees working in these areas have the tuberculosis skin test within the previous 12 months. It’s less likely that the construction crews will have tuberculosis than the patients coming into the Pharmacy and is intended to determine if this project could be the source of TB infection if one of the contractors develops TB.

Question 14

Q: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.42 requires the Contractor to show evidence that all employees have received a flu shot. Will the VA clarify if this will be a requirement for this project?

A: This is a requirement for the project. All VA staff must receive annual flu shots except in the case of legitimate religious or health related exemptions. Since the work is being done primarily in active patient care areas, protecting the patients from an unnecessarily elevated risk of contracting the flu while picking up their meds or during a physical therapy visit is a reasonable expectation.

Question 15

Q: Will the VA clarify whether the Project Superintendent, if duly qualified, may also serve in the roles of SSHO and CQC, or will a separate individual be required for either of the later mentioned roles?

A: At least two individuals are needed in those roles. A dedicated Superintendent is needed, and a combined SSHO/CQC is acceptable. One of the requirements for this (and all other) NAVAHCS projects is that a person who has their 30 hour OSHA training must be on site any time work is being done. In our experience, that requires at least two people with their 30 hour OSHA card to be dedicated to the work. We’ve also found that having a Superintendent to schedule and drive the work needs the checks and balances of a separate person whose responsibility is to be sure that the work is being done safely and quality is not compromised by an aggressive schedule.

Question 16

Q: Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4‐C requires the Contractor to hire a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer to serve as the Design Quality Control Manager and to fulfill the activities as listed. This requirement will add considerable cost to the project. Will the VA confirm this requirement will be enforced for this project or will the CQC System Manager be allowed to fulfill this requirement?

A: An RA or PE is not necessary to serve as the Design Quality Control Manager position. The CQC System Manager can fulfill this requirement.

Question 17

Q: Specification Section 01 91 00 – General Commissioning, Part 1.8‐C states that the VA will engage the Commissioning Agent (CxA) by separate contract. Will the VA confirm that Commissioning will be required for this project and if so, that the VA will hire the CxA and that this will not be a cost to the Contractor?

A: Unfortunately, there is no mechanism currently in place to provide third party commissioning services for Minor and NRM construction projects. Until we can figure out how to provide true third party commissioning, verification of system function will be the shared responsibility of the contractor’s QC manager and the VA COR.

Question 18

Q: The Specifications have (5) different Resinous flooring systems designated as (RES 2) thru (RES 6B). The Drawings, Sheet A‐507, Room Finish Schedule shows only the Machine Room (008) is to receive epoxy flooring designated as (EPY). Will the VA clarify that only the Machine Room will receive epoxy flooring and which epoxy system in the Specifications corresponds to the (EPY) material on the drawings?

A: Rooms 133, 134, and 135 shall receive flooring system RES 3 with a 4” cove base. All other resinous flooring systems can be disregarded. Machine Room 008 shall receive flooring system RES 3 with a 4” rubber base. All finish products will be reviewed and approved by the VA interior designer at a later date.

Question 19

Q: The Specifications contain Section 09 96 59 – Resinous Glazed Coating System for Walls. We did not find this system called out on Sheet A‐507, Room Finish Schedule. Will the VA confirm that no Resinous Glazed Coating System for Walls is required for this project?

A: Resinous Glazed Coating Systems for walls will not be required. Note, all finish products will be reviewed and approved by the VA interior designer at a later date.

Question 20

Q: A‐203 #3 ‐ "Remove existing shaft wall as required for elevator door typical" ‐ Please provide a as‐built or section of the existing wall composition for both locations.

A: The drawings related to the original construction, showing the sizes of the openings are included in this RFI response. See B‐162 Elevator Drawings and B‐164 Elevator Drawings.

Question 21

Q: A‐204 #3 ‐ Please provide detail for rail bracket.

A: Rail brackets will be provided per the selected elevator manufacture. The GC shall coordinate with elevator manufacture and provide shop drawings for review.

Question 22

Q: A‐505 EQUIPMENT LIST MASTER ‐ Please confirm Contractor is to install multi function printer.

A: The contract will not install the mult‐function printer. That will be handled by our current printer supplier and our IT department

Question 23

Q: C102 ‐ Please provide specification for masonry retaining wall

A: Design will be an 8x8x16 CMU wall, 34” overall height, 24” retained, 10”x28” footing with 18” bottom of footing depth, vertical #4 bars @ 16” O.C., fully grouted cells, 2” top cap. See detail 5 on C102

See Additional Civil Specs Attachment.

Question 24

Q: C102 ‐ Please provide specification for asphalt

A: The specifications for asphalt from the ED construction project have been included with this response. Most of the asphalt that will be cut and matched was placed during the ED Construction. See Specification 32 12 16 Asphalt Paving.

Question 25

Q: C102 ‐ Please provide specification for concrete flatwork/curbing

A: The GC shall bid on typical concrete construction means and methods per the drawing’s details.

A: The concrete specifications from the construction of B164 are included in this response. See Additional Civil Specs Attachment for Specification 32 05 23 Concrete.

Question 26

Q: C102 ‐ Please provide BOD for channel drain and grate

A: See keynote 4 on sheet C‐102 for channel drain and grate requirement.

Question 27

Q: C102 ‐ Please provide diameter and material for pipe connecting channel drain to catch basin.

A: 1.5” schedule 40 PVC @ 40’

Question 28

Q: C102 ‐ Is an existing soils report available for review?

A: The soils reports for Buildings 160, 162 and 164 are included with this response. See Attached Soils Reports and B162 Geotechnical Evaluation Report.

Question 29

Q: C102 ‐ Are excess dirt spoils to be removed off site? Do spoils need to be tested for contamination and if positive disposed of at a special facility?

A: Excess dirt can be relocated to an area near the boiler plant.

Question 30

Q: C103 ‐ What is the existing pavement section?

A: Based on the ED Soils Report (which was the basis of the design the existing pavement is 3” thick. For additional information, review the attached ED Soils Report.

Question 31

Q: C103 ‐ What is the existing concrete depth?

A: I’m assuming this question is about the concrete slab. Although I believe it is 4” thick I don’t have verification and can’t find the documentation regarding the slab thickness. Also in reference to Drawing 103, the gas line is no longer active.

Question 32

Q: C103 ‐ Will landscape restoration be required? Is there a existing landscape plan?

A: The site work is limited to hardscape. If the GC damages any landscaped areas he/she will be response to repair.

Question 33

Q: S204 ‐ 202 ‐ For bidding purposes if cells are not grouted what is the anticipated SF of grouting that will need to be done?

A: Only cells receiving anchors need to be grouted per S‐204; a maximum of 16 anchor locations/cells.

Question 34

Q: M204 ‐ Please provide existing roof warranty information.

A: The final submittal for the EPDM roof is included with this RFI response, which included information on the warranty. See Attached EPDM Submittal.

Question 35

Q: 01 00 00 ‐ 1 D. Please confirm VA is to provide testing for all work subject to testing laboratory inspections.

A: The VA will not provide testing for inspections. The current practice is that the construction firm must hire and schedule the testing firm for all inspections.

Question 36

Q: 01 00 00 ‐ 3 C. Guards: Please confirm GC is to provide unarmed guards at the project site 24 hours a day 7 days a week after construction hours. If confirmed how many guards will be required?

A: Unarmed guards are not required unless the contractor finishes for the day without securing the buildings. If there is an unsecured access point a guards will be required to patrol the area until it is secured.

Question 37

Q: Will VA provide a work area for site staff or is GC required to provide a temporary trailer and toilets for staff?

A: The GC is required to provide a job trailer and toilet facilities for the construction crews during the project.

Question 38

Q: 01 00 00 ‐ 14 P.a. Please confirm normal working hours.

A: Normal working hours are 7:00 AM until 4:30 PM, M‐F excluding Federal Holidays.

Question 39

Q: 01 00 00 ‐ 34 1.31A ‐ Please confirm a professional photographer will be required. Per SOW Photographs Pg.

2 a professional photographer is not required.

A: A professional photographer is not required.

Question 40

Q: 01 00 00 ‐ 37 1.40 Submittal Exchange ‐ What is the cost of the software program?

A: Submittal exchange is not required for the project, although some acceptable document transfer and management program is necessary.

Question 41

Q: 01 45 00 ‐ 6 3.4B ‐ Please confirm CQC can also be Superintendent but a separate SSHO is required for all onsite work.

A: No. The Superintendent job is a standalone function. The CQC and SSHO responsibilities can be assigned to a single person.

Question 42

Q: 23 09 23 ‐ E. ‐ Who is the existing direct digital control system contractor?

A: Currently the digital integrator is Arizona Controls.

Question 43

Q: 23 09 23 ‐ 4 1. ‐ Is the GC required to directly hire the controls contractor?

A: The controls contractor may be hired directly by the GC or by the MC.

Question 44

Q: Please provide an order of precedence for Owner provided documents regarding seed project.

A: I’m not sure I understand the question, however if you are asking whether the specs or drawings are the final determinant of the requirements, it is the specs. The specifications take precedence over the drawings.

Question 45

Q: Seed project specification requires the contractor use submittal exchange. Is it acceptable to use ProCore in lieu of submittal exchange? Government staff, Architects and design teams will all be given access to the software at no additional cost.

A: ProCore is acceptable.

Question 46

Q: Please confirm the basis of design manufacturer is Thyssen Krupp. Are alternate elevator manufacturer’s acceptable? Procurement timelines for elevators is currently longer than normal (6‐8 months from approved submittal) and will likely jeopardize the 300‐calendar day schedule duration for this project. Given we are retrofitting new elevators into existing shafts, will the government consider extending the PoP to 375‐400 calendar days?

A: Acceptable elevator manufacturers are Thyssen Krupp, Otis and Schindler.

Question 47

Q: Section 05 12 00 requires AISC certified structural steel, will the government consider eliminating the AISC requirement? In doing so, cost will be significantly reduced and allow more participation from local steel fabricators who are do not hold AISC certification.

A: No. Based on a quick search, it appears there are 30 AISC Building Fabricator certified companies in Arizona alone.

Question 48

Q: Section 08 80 00 talks about blast and bullet resistant glazing, the door and window schedule do not indicate and blast/bullet resistant glazing. Please confirm if blast/bullet resistant glazing is required on this project.

A: See keynote 17 on sheet A‐202.

Question 49

Q: Section 01 91 00 Commissioning paragraph 1.13A states, “the commissioning agent has prepared a preliminary commissioning plan based on the final construction documents. The preliminary commissioning plan in included as an appendix this specification section.” There is no appendix at the end of the commissioning spec.

Please confirm who the Government’s commissioning agent is and provide the preliminary commissioning report.

A: The 01 91 00 commissioning specs is miss labelled, the GC shall provide functional commissioning as part of his/her bid.

Question 50

Q: Section 01 91 00 commissioning makes several references to leed. Is this a leed project? If so what rating is the government trying to achieve?

A: This is not a LEED certified project.

Question 51

Q: Is a geo‐technical report available for the seed project?

A: Geotech reports have been included for Buildings 160, 162 and 164. See attached Soils Reports and Geotechnical Evaluation Report.

Question 52

Q: Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.34 ID badges says all works are required to obtain time limited badges from the VA police station. Please confirm badging requirements for the seed project. For example, are background checks required?

A: Background checks are not required. To receive a contractor security badge the contractor must notify the COR at least 24 hours ahead of the arrival of contract employees with their legal name, the company they work for and how many days they will be at the construction site. The COR will forward the name to the VAPD and the VAPD will provide the contractor badge to the contractor employee when they arrive at Building 28 in person with a legal form of ID, such as a driver’s license.

Question 53

Q: Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.42 Seasonal influenza requirements. Please confirm seasonal flu vaccines are not required for the seed project.

A: A flu vaccine is required for all VA employees, so it doesn’t make much sense for contractors to not be vaccinated and to work in the same space. The purpose of the vaccinations for staff and contractors is to reduce the risk to the patients, many of whom are in very poor health. A flu vaccine is required.

Question 54

Q: Please provide a spec for the masonry work associated with the retaining wall.

A: Design will be an 8x8x16 CMU wall, 34” overall height, 24” retained, 10”x28” footing with 18” bottom of footing depth, vertical #4 bars @ 16” O.C., fully grouted cells, 2” top cap. See detail 5 on C102. The specifications for the unit masonry, grouting and mortar are also included with this response. See Additional Civil Specs Attachment.

Question 55

Q: Is there a Hazardous Materials Report? If so, please provide.

A: These buildings are only about 3 years old and have no known hazardous materials in them. No hazardous materials surveys have been done inside the buildings.

Question 56

Q: Is there asbestos and/or lead paint at the facility?

A: Both buildings were constructed within the last 4 years. Both buildings were verified as asbestos and/or lead paint free buildings.

Question 57

Q: Will the areas of improvement for the seed project require abatement?

A: No abatement will be required.

Question 58

Q: Please provide the elevator company and contact information currently maintaining and servicing the elevators.

A: We’re currently in the process of renegotiating the elevator maintenance contract since it is at the end of all available option years. However, the current contract holder is Otis.

Question 59

Q: Finish Schedule on A‐507 is missing the ceiling information for Breakroom 007. Please provide.

A: The GC shall bid the project based on the info located on sheet A‐301 and the finish schedule. The finish schedule calls for ACT‐1 – Acoustical Tile – Armstrong – Ultima – White. All finish products will be reviewed and

Question 60

Q: What is the basis of design for the Package Transfer Units, spec #11 17 36?

A: See Keynote 1 on sheet A‐202. Provide a 18x18 wall mounted HEPA filtered stainless steel cleanroom pass thru unit.

Question 61

Q: What is the basis of design for the Laboratory Fume Hoods, spec #11 53 13?

A: The GC will not be required to purchase medical equipment. Disregard section 11 53 13.

Question 62

Q: What is the basis of design for the Laboratory Refrigerators, spec #11 53 23?

A: The GC will not be required to purchase medical equipment. Disregard section 11 53 13.

Question 63

Q: What is the basis of design for the Biological Safety Cabinets Laminar Airflow Stations, spec #11 53 53?

A: The GC will not be required to purchase medical equipment. Disregard section 11 53 61.

Question 64

Q: Spec 11 53 61 covers “Necropsy Equipment, General; Downdraft Necropsy Table; Necropsy Dissecting Table;

Animal‐Cage Scullery Sink and Table with Waste Disposer”. Please clarify a manufacturer, make/model for equipment and location(s) shown on drawings.

A: The GC will not be required to purchase medical equipment. Disregard section 11 53 61.

Question 65

Q: There is a specification for signage (10 14 00) but does not have any details nor do the plans have a signage schedule or details. If signage is part of scope, please provide details and locations.

A: The GC shall provide a bid allowance for signage. Most of the signage is existing and/or will be relocated with the exception of the office space and Pharmacy Cache.

Question 66

Q: Please provide a spec for underground utilities (storm drain) to be installed per Drawings C‐102 and C‐103.

A: 12” pipe from 18” basins to existing drop inlet as noted on plans.

Question 67

Q: On Plans pg. A‐202, keynote 11, it states there is low voltage wiring existing and it needs to be connected to new card reader. Please clarify what wiring is existing and where it goes back to. The type of lock needed for this application is limited, so we need to know what wire is existing. The lock needed for this application is not connected to the Software Card Access panel via the network. It’s either wireless or hardwired back to the Software House card access panel.

A: The existing wiring is the standard security bundled wire that goes back to the software card access panel.

This cabinet needs to be magnetically locked/unlocked via card access. There is no wireless connection back to the Software House card access panel as it is hardwired.

Question 68

Q: This Cabinet lock/reader will not be OSDP or be able to read CAK information on Government issued PIV‐CAK access cards. This is required to be FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) compliant. It will be able to read the CHUID (data on card) and work with existing access cards. It will also be able to create an audit trail.

Please confirm this is OK for this RFP.

A: The GC shall add a card reader and locking hardware to the existing cabinet per the drawings. Provide shop drawings for review.

Question 69

Q: The NAVAHCS in Prescott, AZ is now using a Vivotek camera system yet on the Electrical plans special systems page they are calling out Illustra cameras in the notes. Should we use Illustra cameras per plans or comparable Vivotek cameras? Please clarify.

A: Vivotek.

Question 70

Q: Who is providing network switches for card access and video surveillance? Please clarify.

A: The network switches for card access and video surveillance are provided by the VA

Question 71

Q: Who is providing the UPSs for the network switches? Please clarify.

A: The UPSs are provided by the GC.

Question 72

Q: Who is providing the door locking hardware? Please clarify.

A: The GC is providing door locking hardware.

Question 73

Q: How much storage is available on the existing CCTV server? Please clarify.

A: This is outside of the project scope.

Question 74

Q: Does the security contractor need to worry about storage space on the existing Vivotek Video Surveillance system? Please clarify.

A: No, the security contractor doesn’t need to be concerned about the storage space. These are on secure servers.

Question 75

Q: Drawing A‐507 calls for SVT flooring in the break room, but the SVT finish details are not provided in the schedule or in the specs. Please clarify

A: The GC shall bid on the SVT flooring products per the information provided in the drawings and/or finish schedule. The VA specifications are considered to be the basis of design. If a specific product is not noted, the GC shall provide an allowance based on the quantities in the drawings. All finish products will be reviewed and

Question 76

Q: Drawing A‐507 calls for RF flooring in the Pharmacy, but the RF finish details are not provided in the schedule or in the specs. Please clarify

A: The GC shall bid on the RF flooring products per the information provided in the drawings and/or finish schedule. The VA specifications are considered to be the basis of design. If a specific product is not noted, the GC shall provide an allowance based on the quantities in the drawings. All finish products will be reviewed and

Question 77

Q: Drawing A‐507 calls for CPT‐6 flooring in the Offices 012 and 013, but the CPT‐6 finish details are not provided in the schedule or in the specs. Please clarify

A: The GC shall bid on the CPT flooring products per the information provided in the drawings and/or finish schedule. The VA specifications are considered to be the basis of design. If a specific product is not noted, the GC shall provide an allowance based on the quantities in the drawings. All finish products will be reviewed and

Question 78

Q: Drawing A‐507 calls for QT‐2 flooring in the Toilet 126, but the QT‐2 finish details are not provided in the schedule or in the specs. Please clarify

A: The GC shall bid on the QT‐2 flooring products per the information provided in the drawings and/or finish schedule. The VA specifications are considered to be the basis of design. If a specific product is not noted, the GC shall provide an allowance based on the quantities in the drawings. All finish products will be reviewed and

Question 79

Q: Drawing A‐507 calls for TT flooring in the elevators, but no information on this floor finish to match existing in the corridor is provided. Please clarify.

A: The GC shall provide pricing for standard elevator flooring finishes. Once the specific elevator manufacture is selected, the GC will provide shop drawings with available finishes.

Question 80

Q: Drawing A‐202 calls for a new window in the Vault Narcotics room 121 but points to a receptacle. Please advise if there is a window here.

A: Keynote #10 is mislabelled, see electrical for the new receptacle details.

Question 81

Q: Drawing C103 calls for a new concrete sidewalk. Please advise on thickness of sidewalk in this location as well as subgrade prep requirements.

Please refer to the included ED Soils report for soil preparation for the concrete sidewalk and the ED Specification 32 05 23 for other requirements for the exterior concrete. See attached ED Soils Reports.

Question 82

Q: Drawing C103 calls for a new asphalt paving. Please advise on thickness of the asphalt in this location and spec on the asphalt as well as subgrade prep.

A: See the ED Soils report for asphalt subgrade and thickness requirements. See attached ED Soils Reports

Question 83

Q: Please confirm the elevator shaft for building B164 does not require any added steel reinforcement like B162.

A: Confirmed. At B164 the intent is for the elevator rail brackets to attach to the masonry shaft walls.

Question 84

Q: Drawing C102 detail 5 calls for a CMU retaining wall. Please confirm 8’’ Grey Standard Smooth Face Block can be used for this retaining wall. Please advise if the footing needs to be over excavated and compacted to 95% and provide a spec, along with a concrete spec for grouting the wall. Please also provide a spec/details on the drainage material noted in keyed note 6.

A: 8” Standard smooth face block is acceptable. Paint to match existing building. The specs for the masonry, grouting and mortar for the ED project are included to serve as the specs for this project, since most of the retaining wall along the road was constructed during that project. See Additional Civil Specs Attached.

Question 85

Q: Please advise if the retaining wall has a concrete top cap and clarify the detail for the top cap.

A: 2”x8”x16” top cap as shown on plans.

Question 86

Q: Please provide a spec for channel drain on C102 detail 2

A: See detail 2 on C102 for product info. No additional specs required.

Question 87

Q: Please provide a spec or model number for the catch basin noted in C102 detail 4, as well as underground piping.

A: Model 1884, NDS 18” catch basin as noted on plans.

Question 88

Q: Spec 03 30 53 lists Suspended slab infill on metal deck scope. Please confirm there is no slab infill as a part of this scope.

A: The suspended slab infill on metal deck can be disregarded.

Question 89

Q: Drawing A‐505 has an equipment list for furnishings and equipment. Please advise if it is the responsibility of the Contractor to supply any of the equipment or move in any of the owner furnished equipment.

A: L‐1200 (Specimen Pass‐Through Cabinet) needs to be supplied and installed by the GC. All other equipment on this list is provided by the VA. The GC will also need to move the pharmacy hood into the final location and connect it to the exhaust vent.

Question 90

Q: Spec 01 00 00 1.5 C requires the Contractor to provide 24 hour unarmed guards as well as recording equipment to monitor guards. Please advise how many guards need to be provided and where they need to be stationed so monitoring cameras can also be set up to oversee their rounds, and if anything, else is needed to meet this security requirement.

A: Unarmed guards are not required unless the contractor finishes for the day without securing the buildings. If there is an unsecured access point a guards will be required to patrol the area until it is secured.

Question 91

Q: Spec 01 00 00 F, 2 requires safeguarding of project data. Please advise if any of this documentation is OUO or classified.

A: There are no classified documents as part of this project. The design documents are considered sensitive but not classified. If there are any patient records visible to the construction personnel, the medical staff must be notified immediately so they can be secured.

Question 92

Q: Spec 01 00 00 1.6 U requires an above ceiling permit. Please advise on details of this permit and when it needs to be processed and submitted to, and in what phase of the project.

A: An above ceiling “permit” isn’t required, however anytime you are working above the ceiling in an area it needs to be within a HEPA filtered enclosure by either building a sealed enclosure with HEPA filtration around the opening through the suspended ceiling or using a HEPA cart. NAVAHCS has several HEPA carts and at least one will most likely be available during the project that would be available to the GC for use.

Question 93

Q: The SOW requires the Pharmacy work to be completed prior to other work. Please confirm all other work aside from Pharmacy can be done concurrently per 01 00 00 P, 1.

A: The only phasing for this project is the Pharmacy Cache because another project depends on it being completed as soon as possible. Provided that the completion of the pharmacy cache work isn’t negatively affected by concurrent work, that is acceptable. Again, completion of the Pharmacy Cache is the time sensitive work to be completed as soon as possible.

Question 94

Q: Drawing AD‐101 and A‐200 show construction barriers around only 2 areas of work, but spec 01 00 00 1.9 requires enclosure of construction areas and negative pressurization and filtration of air. Please advise if all areas of construction need to be enclosed completely with temporary walls and negatively pressurized.

A: All construction areas need to be enclosed with negative pressure barriers. Typically, those barriers are double wall plastic and not hard walls.

Question 95

Q: Per Spec 01 00 00 1.22 please advise if temporary toilets need to be provided by the Contractor, or if existing sanitary facilities inside the buildings can be used during construction.

A: The contractor needs to provide temporary toilets for the construction crews.

Question 96

Q: Spec section 01 00 00 requires all workers to get badging at building 203. Please advise the location of this building.

A: The badging is actually done at Building 28, which is shown on the map included with the response to Question 11.

Question 97

Q: Spec section 01 00 00 1.41 A requires “The contractor shall be responsible for providing written documentation that all of his employees and subcontractor employees that will be working within the identified areas of the Medical Center have a PPD tuberculin skin test (TST Testing) for the purpose of Tuberculosis screening within the last 12 months prior to starting work at the San Francisco VA Medical Center” Please advise if this is applicable.

A: A TB skin test is required for this project, given the proximity to patients who may have tuberculosis.

Question 98

Q: Spec section 01 00 00 1.42 requires all onsite personnel to get an influenza shot to work at the facility.

Please advise if this is applicable.

A: Yes, given the proximity of this work to patients that shouldn’t be exposed to the flu unnecessarily.

Question 99

Q: Spec section 01 35 26 1.7 requires “The Prime Contractor to designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government‐ accepted Accident Prevention Plan.” Please advise if (1) SSHO can oversee the entire project/work in both buildings.

A: Yes, one SSHO can oversee the entire project.

Question 100

Q: Spec section 01 81 13 requires sustainable construction requirements. Please advise if this is a LEED certified or LEED equivalent facility and if this specification applies.

A: LEED certification is not a requirement for this project.

Question 101

Q: Please advise if any contaminated materials are expected during demolition/construction of the project.

A: No contaminated materials are expected during demolition or construction of this project.

Question 102

Q: During the site walk, we did not get access to the elevator’s mechanical rooms. Is the power and disconnects already installed?

A: Per electrical plans 2/E‐201 and 4/E‐201, Building 162 has existing electrical equipment that will be utilized for the new elevator and Building 164 will require all new electrical infrastructure for the new elevator. Refer to E‐401 for additional feeder requirements.

Question 103

Q: Please provide AS_BUILTS for the previous project to determine the appropriate elevator size to fit the current elevator pits.

A: The GC shall bid the project based on the provided shaft sizes in the drawings. Access holes are provided at the face of each elevator for verification purposes. It is recommended to visit the site prior submitting bids.

Question 104

Q: What is the current opening dimensions behind the framed in walls at the elevators?

A: A: Please review the drawings that include information on the elevator shafts from the original construction projects for Buildings 162 and 164 for additional information. See Attached B162 Elevator Drawings, B164 Elevator Drawings, B162 Elevator Airflow Drawings, and B162 Elevator Pit Drawings.

Question 105

Q: Spec Section 09 06 00, Schedule of Finish, as indicated in Spec 09 65 13 is missing. Can the VA provide clarification of what products they desire for carpet tile, cove base, and rubber flooring products? The finish schedule provided in the plans do not specify (blank fields).

A: The GC shall bid on the flooring products per the information provided in the drawings and/or finish schedule.

The VA specifications are considered to be the basis of design. If a specific product is not noted, the GC shall provide an allowance based on the quantities in the drawings. All finish products will be reviewed and approved by the VA interior designer at a later date. The following product details can be used for a bid allowance.

Carpet Tile – Crossville Rubber Base – Johnsonite Rubber Flooring – Nora

Question 106

Q: Where is the access point to the pipe basement to bring in the new elevator parts and materials into the basement? What is the access dimensions?

A: The GC will utilize the existing stair and/or elevator shaft to bring elevator parts and materials into the basement. It is recommended to visit the site prior submitting bids.

Question 107

Q: 3/A‐203, Remove the existing shaft walls to install new elevator equipment. What was the original shaft walls built with?

A: Please review the drawings that include information on the elevator shafts from the original construction projects for Buildings 162 and 164 for additional information. See Attached B162 Elevator Drawings, B164 Elevator Drawings, B162 Elevator Airflow Drawings, and B162 Elevator Pit Drawings.

Question 108

Q: If Power and disconnects are not in the elevator mechanical rooms where is the adequate power going to be coming from?

A: Refer to question #102, electrical floor plans on E‐201 and electrical one‐lines on E‐401.

Question 109

Q: 3/A‐203, shows existing finished floor bearing on the existing elevator shafts. Are the existing shaft walls

"LOAD BEARING"?

A: No, the existing shaft walls are not load bearing.

Question 110

Q: The statement of work states TB testing is required. Is this going to be enforced and provided by the Government?

A: It will be required by the government (proof of TB test) but will need to be provided by the contractor.

Question 111

Q: Is the existing sump pit already plumbed for the sump pump discharge? If not, what is the routing for discharged?

A: Yes, the sump pit in Bldg. 162 is already installed as well as the discharge piping.

Question 112

Q: 111/S‐301, Where is this in referenced to the drawings?

A: This is a typical detail which applies when an opening of this size is cut in existing wall. 1/AD‐102 and 1/A201 show one new door opening where this detail applies.

Question 113

Q: 106/S‐301, Where is this in referenced to the drawings?

A: This is a typical detail which applies when an opening of this size is cut in existing wall. 1/AD‐102 and 1/A201 show 3 new window openings where this detail applies.

Question 114

Q: Does the VA Prescott have The Archeological Sensitivity Map available to be shared with all contractors.

A: We can provide the section of the archaeological sensitivity map that applies to the area inside the construction area.

Question 115

Q: Please provide the VA Prescott's most current LBP and ACM testing reports for the areas of construction within this project.

A: These buildings were constructed within the last 4 years. No LBP or ACM is expected to be in the work areas.

Question 116

Q: With the area already having been disturbed during original construction, Will Archeology Monitoring be required at Pharmacy loading area where the re‐work of the existing storm drain system is located?

A: Good question, but yes, it will be required.

Question 117

Q: S‐204, Note 202. Verify existing walls are grouted, if not grout cells. With the limited areas that were accessible during the site visit, How does the Government expect to get an accurate and competitive pricing from contractors with notes on drawings like this?

A: See Question 33 and response.

Question 118

Q: Reference Civil Drawing Sheets ‐ There is a significant amount of civil work indicated on the drawings with no specifications in the seed project specifications. Provide specifications for all exterior improvements including but not limited to: earthwork, clearing and grubbing, AC paving, aggregate base, curbs & gutters, utilities, etc.

A: The civil work is limited to the removal, patching, and repairing. The GC shall bid the civil work as identified in the drawings.

Earthwork: Cut 45 CY’s material Clearing and grubbing: existing asphalt, concrete, storm drains per plans AC paving: Remove and replace approx. 1700 SF per plans Aggregate base: recompact approx.. 100 CY’s of material per plans Curbs & gutters: 275’ of 6” C&G Utilities: Install Storm Drain per plans The missing specification are included with this response.

The civil specifications for the ED project have been included for use with this project since the asphalt and curbs (aside from those directly outside of the Lab/Pharmacy wall) that will be replaced/modified were part of that project.

Question 119

Q: Provide current geotechnical report.

A: See Attached Soils Reports and B162 Geotechnical Evaluation Report.

Question 120

Q: Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

A: The current BAS controls for most of the buildings on site is Arizona Controls and the point of contact is Jeremy Truett.

Question 121

Q: Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc., from the affected areas prior to construction.

A: Yes

Question 122

Q: Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302‐1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation? If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

A: No, none have.

Question 123

Q: Will the VA provide the Period of Performance for the SEED project?

A: The period of performance for this project is 300 calendar days.

Question 124

Q: Can the contractor’s superintendent also perform duties of the SSHO?

A: No. The quality control and safety responsibilities can be shared, but the superintendent responsibilities need to be separate.

Question 125

Q: Please provide a copy of the bid bond form we are required to use for the seed project.

A: A Bid Bond is submitted using an SF 24 Form. See attached SF 24.

Question 126

Q: Concerning the Seed project:

On the “SF 1442” the Magnitude for the seed project is between $250,000 and $500,000.

On “S02+Solicitation+Attachment+5+Bid+Schedule+‐+MATOC+SEED+Project” The magnitude of the seed project is stated to be between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

In order to get the correct Bond for offer guarantee we must know the correct amount.

Please advise.

A: The Seed Project disclosure of magnitude per VAAR 836.204 is between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

Question 127

Q: We understand that the Government intends to award a lump sum contract for this Task Order. The construction industry continues to experience significant cost volatility in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material costs from their suppliers, sometimes on a weekly basis, that can be as high as 10% or more.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood, steel, plastics, etc? Can an Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA) per contract length as one of the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) 216.203‐4(1)(ii) clause be added to the RFP?

A: An Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA) per contract length will not be added to the RFP. Any adjustments will be handled on a case‐by‐case basis by the Government for any awarded Task Order.

Question 128

Q: The construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays, in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material delivery durations from their suppliers.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current extended lead times and material manufacturing and delivery delays that are occurring in the construction industry?

A: If extended lead times cause the work to take longer than the period of performance the PoP can be extended.

If there are construction materials that are of particular concern being affected by price increases, please be prepared to provide justification for a change order to cover the increase.