RFI Notice - Solicitation No. 36C26223B0014.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) Notice Solicitation # 36C26223B0014

Amendment # 0002 1SE Remodel-Pharmacy Expansion & Waiting

(Project 664-15-412)

VA Responses in Red

1. Will the VA clarify if the Contractor’s Site Superintendent, if duly qualified, may also serve in the roles of SSHO and CQC, or will a separate individual be required for either of those two roles?

If the Site Superintendent manages the CQC of the prime or the subcontractors alike, then NO. The CDQ cannot be the SSHO, the SSHO cannot be a supervisor or a manager. A separate individual is required for SSHO and CQC.

2. Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.2-D states that the VA will retain the Testing Laboratory. Will the VA clarify if the VA or the Contractor will engage the Testing Laboratory for this project?

The contractor will retain the Testing Laboratory for this project. See attached revised Specification Section 01 00 00.

3. Will the VA confirm that the majority of this project will be performed during

“normal working hours”?

It is the intention to minimize impact of patient care area with nursing involvement, subject to time scheduling change. Please refer to hours of operation in the SOW.

4. Specification Section 01 00 00, Parts 1.22 & 1.23 requires the Contractor to construct

Construction Sign & Safety Sign, constructed of framing lumber and mounted on 4x4 posts set 4’-0” into the ground. Will the VA clarify whether this will be a requirement for this project?

The requirement for Construction and Safety Sign is deleted. See attached revised Specification Section 01 00 00.

5. Specification Sectio 01 00 00, Part 1.24 requires the Contractor to hire a Commercial

Photographer to document this project. Since this will add significant cost to the project, will the VA clarify if the Contractor must hire a Commercial Photographer, or will in-house photographic documentation suffice?

The requirement for a “commercial” photographer is deleted. See attached revised specification Section 01 00 00.

Amendment # 0002 Project # 664-15-412

6. Specification Section 01 35 26, Part 1.13 requires that all construction personnel must have pre-placement negative TB screening within 90 days of site placement. Will the VA confirm that this will be a requirement for this project?

Confirmed. Please follow specification as stated.

7. Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4-C lists additional specialized personnel that must be present during all work involving their specialty. These additional specialized personnel include Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Structural Engineer, Architect, and Environmental Engineer. This requirement for these additional specialized quality control professionals to be engaged and be present at all times during work performed in their field of specialty will add immense cost to this project. Will the VA clarify if this requirement for specialized professional specialists will be required for this project?

The Experience Matrix gives a choice for engineering professionals or a construction professional with relevant experience. The requirement for a Design Quality Manager is deleted. See attached revised Specification Section 01 45 00.

8. Specification Section 01 91 00, Part 1.8-C states that the Commissioning Agent

(CxA) will be engaged by the VA under separate contract. Will the VA clarify if formal commissioning will be required for this project and if so, will the VA further clarify if the Commissioning Agent will be hired by the VA or by the Contractor?

The contractor will engage an independent Commissioning Agent. See attached revised Specification Section 01 91 00.

9. The new Wall on the West, North, and South elevations of the Narcotics room (1492) calls for General Note # 3. Which shows as a new wall. This wall looks to be a furred wall, however, a Wall Type B has drywall both sides. Need clarification on the type of wall that suffices for this location.

Please see wall type B indicated on plan and wall type B1 (Secured furring on existing wall) indicated on plan. See also Wall Type Details on 4/AE504.

10. In Narcotics Room ceiling, it states to see detail 2/AE104. This detail calls for keynote #9. Detail 20/AE503 does not exist. Will the Govt provide the ‘VA Physical Design Manual 5.12.3.2” to determine the spacing requirements of the 9ga expanded metal mesh?

See attached VA Physical Security Manual. Detail 20/AE503 does not exist.

11. Will x-rays be required before saw cutting and coring?

Yes, x-ray/scanning will be required prior to saw cutting and coring to minimize rebar cutting.

12. Per Sheet GI001, the fire alarm system "shall be under a design build contract by a licensed contractor". Provide current as-built drawings for the fire alarm system in this work area. What is the make and model of the current fire alarm system?

There is no design-build in this contract. See FS & FA attachments.

13. Per Sheet GI001, the fire sprinkler system will require contractor to "submit design build construction documents for review by VA and DPOR". Provide current as-built drawings for the fire sprinkler system in this work area.

See attached Fire Sprinkler as-builts. See attached drawings 1-1I-F (Basement Floor Interstitial Plan) and 1BI-F (Basement Floor Interstitial Plan) and Fire Protection Study (16 sheets). Refer to RFI question # 12.

14. Provide location of closest main water supply connection for fire sprinkler system.

See response to RFI question # 13. See attached fire sprinkler supply shut off valve locations.

15. Per Sheet GI001, the contractor will provide the Certified Commissioning Agent (CxA). However spec section 019100 para 1.8.C.1 says that "The VA will engage the CxA under a separate contract". Clarify if the CxA will be under contract by VA or Contractor.

The contractor is to provide Certified Commissioning Agent (CxA). See response to RFI question # 8.

16. Provide missing spec section 253500 for Integrated Automation Instrumentation and Terminal Devices for HVAC

See Specification Section 23 09 23 Direct-Digital Control System for HVAC, Section 253500 for Integrated Automation Instrumentation and Terminal Devices for HVAC is not available on VA TIL (Technical Information Library) and will not be issued.

17. Section 019100 requires commissioning of trades that are not listed in the Spec Table of contents: cabling system; antenna tv system; public address system; intercom system; nurse call system; security emergency call system; duress alarm; physical access control; security access detection; video surveillance; fire alarm. Strike these

Project # 664-15-412

VA Responses in Red items if they do not apply to the project. Or else provide drawings and specific scopes of work.

The contractor shall comply with Section 23 08 00 “Commissioning of HVAC Systems,” Section 22 08 00 “Commissioning of Plumbing Systems,” and Section 26 08 00 “Commissioning of Electrical Systems.”

18. Spec section 013526 para 1.6.C. indicates that ", the SSHO and Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager must be separate persons". Furthermore, section 014500 para 3.2.B.1 indicates that the CQC System Manager will report to the project superintendent. Can the SSHO also be the CQC manager?

The SSHO cannot be a supervisor or a manager. See response to RFI question # 1.

19. A jobsite walk was conducted at the VA San Diego hospital on 8/17/23, but not all areas were seen, especially the 5th floor work area. Can the VA provide representative panorama photos of the 5th floor area, as well as some of the 1st floor areas where access was restricted.

All information can be found in the drawings and photos provided.

20. In reference to Specification 02 82 11-1 1.1.2 Extent of Work, is it required that the contractor expense to hire a VPIH/CIH to perform monitoring, inspections and testing throughout the abatement processing?

Correct. The General Contractor is required to hire a third party CIH (IH consulting services) to conduct daily monitoring during abatement process and submit results to the VA Engineering IH.

21. Confirm that the VA will be responsible for moving out all existing FFE furniture and equipment in all rooms prior to construction.

Yes, the VA will be responsible for this task.

22. On Sheet AD100, there is about 300 linear feet of 17' high temporary barrier Wall Type G that passes through four offices. Since the temporary walls should be continuous with no horizontal or vertical breaks to ensure a secure infection control environment, can you confirm that the walls in rooms 1504a, 1504b, 1520, 1521 are all full height walls where we will put the temp walls against?

The walls are not full height.

23. On Sheet AD100, there is about 300 linear feet of 17'high temporary barrier wall that requires opening of the public corridor acoustical ceilings to install the full height drywall partitions. This in turn causes asbestos contamination of the public access way unless temporary plastic sheeting is used to shield the corridors during construction of the barrier wall. Please confirm if this is acceptable.

See Specification Section 02 82 11, Traditional Asbestos Abatement.

24. Can the temporary barrier wall be painted to 9' high (6" above ceiling grid height) instead of being painted to 17' full height?

It is acceptable to paint the temporary barrier wall to 6" above ceiling height.

25. Provide specifications of all the different types of corridor flooring that must be removed and replaced after the removal of the temporary barrier wall; this repaired flooring will be just OUTSIDE of the contract work boundary.

Specification Sections are already included. The corridor flooring on the perimeter wall of the Pharmacy is as follows: North and West: Terrazzo (See Specification Section 09 66 13), South: Carpet (See Specification Section 09 68 00), East: Luxury Vinyl Tile (See Specification Section 09 65 19). See attached VASD Finish Schedule.

26. Provide history of all renovation work and asbestos remediation work performed since March 2015 when the Hazardous Materials Survey report was published. Have there been ANY hazardous material abatement within the project area from previous projects?

No renovation has been done to the SOW area. The Haz Mat survey is still current to the site. Lead & ACM are present in the scope of the project.

27. Confirm if contractors will be allowed to use public service elevators to get to the fifth-floor project?

Yes.

28. Provide overview map of fifth floor to understand length of travel to nearest (public or service) elevator.

See Sheet GI101 which provides the overall Fifth Floor Plan. See attached Fifth Floor As-built Plan.

29. Where is the anticipated laydown area for the general contractor, and what are the dimensions of the temporary space?

South of the parking structures. Location and dimensions are subject to change due to ongoing/future projects.

30. Will the contractors and workers be allowed to use the restrooms inside of the VA

Hospital? Will the contractors and workers be allowed to use the cafeteria during breaks inside of the VA Hospital?

31. Provide structural as-built sizes of all beams and columns shown on the Interstitial drawing AE104 so we can properly takeoff the fireproofing required for these elements.

See attached sheets: I-S-71, I-S-72, I-S-73, I-S-74, I-S-75, I-S-76, I-S-77. See attached structural as-built.

32. Currently three separate solicitations for the Department of Veteran's Affairs are due on 8 SEPT 2023 at 2:00 PM Pacific: two in San Diego and one in Long Beach. In order for both offerors and subcontractors to properly and thoroughly focus on each solicitation and prepare the strongest possible proposals, would you consider moving the bid due date by at least one week?

The bid due date for this solicitation has been extended to 12 Sep 2023, 2:00 pm (Local Time, San Diego, CA) as part of this Amendment 0002.

33. This project is scheduled to bid on 9/8/23 @ 2pm which is the same date and time as two (2) other VA projects (36C26223B0016 and W912PL23B0009). Will the VA coordinate so that there is only one bid per day?

34. Please verify contractor is to submit one lump sum bid number.

Yes, this is correct.

Project # 664-15-412

VA Responses in Red

35. Contractors were not taken to the Fifth Floor to see that area of work. Will another walk be scheduled?

No, additional site walks will not be scheduled. See drawings and attached photos for information.

36. Reference: GI001 NOTES. There are no Fire Sprinkler Plans or Specifications provided but GI001 Fire Protection Note 17 states "SUBMIT DESIGN BUILD

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW BY VA AND DESIGN

PROFESSION OF RECORD (DPOR)". Please advise if VA wants a New Design for the entire area(s) [1st floor only?] to include mains and lateral pipes or just the sprinkler heads to be re-routed. Please Advise.

See response to RFI question # 13. See attached Specification Section 21 13 13 Wet- Pipe Sprinkler Systems and Section 28 31 00 Fire Detection and Alarm.

37. Will all new data wall locations consist of three (3) Cat 6A cables (1-Blue, 1-White, 1-Gray) per VA standards?

38. Does the electrical contractor need to provide cable trays for above ceiling data cabling pathways or can j-hooks be used for data cabling pathways?

The contractor needs to provide cable trays for above ceiling data cabling pathways.

Where cable trays are not feasible, J-Hooks may be accepted, subject to VA approval.

Refer also to Section 26 05 33 “Raceways and Boxes for Communication Systems,” and Section 26 05 19 “Low Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables.”

39. Please provide exact locations for IDF rooms where data cabling will run to in both

1st & 5th floors.

Please refer to attached IDF room drawings.

40. Is there enough space on the existing racks for the new data cabling patch panel?

The contractor is to field verify. Potential bidders were also provided the opportunity to field verify the interstitial during the previously scheduled site visit.

41. Does low voltage cabling need to be in conduit or can plenum rated cable be used for low voltage wiring?

Refer to Section 26 05 33 “Raceways and Boxes for Communication Systems.”

42. If direct digital controls are required, please provide a specification.

See Specification Section 23 09 23 Direct-Digital Control System for HVAC.

43. The Equipment and Accessories Schedule on AF602 lists 8a and 8 Laboratory Refrigerators as Vendor Furnished/Vendor Installed. There is also specification 11 53 23 for Laboratory Refrigerators indicating Contractor Furnished/Contractor Installed. Please clarify who is supplying and installing the lab refrigerators.

It is VA furnished and VA installed (not Vendor Furnished and Vendor Installed).

See attached revised Specification Section 11 53 23. The contractor is to provide utilities, backing, and anchorage required for fully functioning equipment.

44. The Equipment and Accessories Schedule on AF602 lists equipment furnished by

Scriptpro (equipment numbers 1, 1a & 21) to be contractor installed. These are expensive, automated healthcare machines that should be installed by the Vendor.

Please clarify these will be installed by the vendor.

Correct, it is to be VA Furnished Vendor installed and the schedule will be revised to reflect this.

45. It is understood construction barriers need to be set up and removed outside of normal work hours. Can demo be performed during normal work hours?

Yes, but the contractor must provide a demo work plan indicating what will be demo’d, and depending on the work and where it is, some of that work might have to be completed after hours.

46. There is a new 2” feeder that needs to be installed for new distribution panel

“1CEXJ”. What is the manufacturer of existing distribution board “D1CEXA” (shown on EP202 and E002)? Could we get some pictures of the nameplate as well as the surrounding area where the path of the feeder will run?

See attached D1CEXA photos.

47. Johnson Controls is able to provide VRU Units. These VRU Units would be equivalent to the Terminal Units found within the schedule, but would come completely configured and installed with a damper, air flow differential pressure

Project # 664-15-412

VA Responses in Red sensor, hot water coil, with water strainer, balancing water valves , manual isolation valves and control valves. (The control valve can be selected for 3-way operation if desired). All controls within the unit are factory wired, mounted, and tested. The selections for these sensors can be altered to fit the Buy American requirements. The VRU will save lots of labor time, thus reducing cost of the overall project and will ensure that no one needs to be in the Asbestos Containing Environment longer than necessary. We are seeking approval to utilize these Johnson Controls VRU Units in Lieu of the ENVIRO-TEX SDR-WC units. Please confirm if this is permitted?

Please follow the drawings and specifications in the Bid Package. The contractor shall provide cut sheets of product for review by the VA and AEDOR.

48. As per specifications section 230923-15 (PDF page 817), sixty-four (64) hours of training are requested. This amount seems rather extreme. Please confirm if (64) hours is necessary?

Please follow the drawings and specifications in the Bid Package.

49. According to the solicitation document in PDF page 11, mentioned the FAR clause

52.225-9 to use buy American products. Please confirm if this requirement still stands?

Yes, FAR Clause 52.225-9 is applicable to this solicitation/requirement.

50. As per specifications section 230923-17 (PDF page 819), one (1) PC as OWS and one

(1) server with a dedicated PC are to be included. It is understood that recently bid projects carried this same request. Please confirm if we are to provide a new server and OWS for this project?

Laptop with require software to operate METASYS and MS-OFFICE to support all engineering tasks is to be included in the project. A new server is not required.

51. As per note in schedules, the VAV boxes transformer are included by the manufacturer. Please confirm?

52. Specification 09 72 16 Vinyl Coated Fabric Wallcoverings specifies three (3) murals:

Mural #1 – M-1A, Mural #2 – M-1B, Mural #3 – M-1C . These are not shown on any of the plans or the finish schedule. Please provide quantities and locations for each of the murals.

Please disregard Specification Section 09 72 16 Vinyl Coated Fabric Wallcoverings, as it is not applicable to this project.

53. Plumbing Fixture Schedule on P001 list sink P-530. Please provide location for this sink on PP-201 and/or PP-205.

P-530 is located in the fifth floor Satellite ICU Pharmacy. On Sheet PP205 it is mislabeled as P-528 (it should be P-530). A revised drawing will be issued at a later date.

54. Reference spec section 22 11 00 [3.3] Facility Water Distribution. The sink on the

5th floor requires cutting back the waste lines for new stub outs. Does reducing the length of a water line require chlorination?

The contractor shall comply with facility standards. When pipes are soldered, chlorination is required.

55. Plumbing Fixture Schedule on P001 – Model numbers for all fixtures and parts are needed for pricing. Please provide.

56. Job specs for all sinks are single compartment without a disposer. Please advise on pantry sink detail 1/P301.

The Garbage Disposal is located under the sink in the Breakroom. It is a single compartment sink. A revised drawing will be issued at a later date.

57. Spec section 22 13 00 [2.3] conflicts with 22 44 00 [2.6(A.3)(B.3)(C.2)] Please clarify.

Provide chrome-plated brass for any exposed pipes. Provide applicable listing.

58. Spec section 22 11 00 [2.3] section conflict with section 22 44 00 [2.3(A)]. Please clarify.

Topics in question are unrelated. No conflict detected.

59. Does sink P-528 require chrome plated brass wall connections?

60. Does sink P-529 require chrome plated brass wall connections?

61. Does sink P-530 require chrome plated brass wall connections?

62. Spec section 22 44 00 – Flexible type water supply tube connector is missing. Please advise.

Refer to Specification Section 22 44 00 Para. 2.3(C).

63. Can it be confirmed there will only be 3 new sinks and 2 new eye wash stations for fixtures?

64. The specifications include 09 67 23.30 Resinous (Epoxy Resing Composition) Mortar

Flooring (RES-3) but is not included in the Finish Schedule or Finish Legend on AF601. If resinous flooring is included in this project please provide location(s).

Please disregard Specification Section 9 67 23.30 Resinous (Epoxy Resing Composition) Mortar Flooring (RES-3), as it is not applicable to this project.

65. What gauge studs can we use for temp walls?

Minimum 20 Gauge.

66. Can we just fire tape on construction side of temp walls?

Yes, it is acceptable, subject to approval by VA Safety Officer.

67. Will this project be phased? If so, please provide a phasing plan.

The area will be vacated during construction. After first floor work is completed, fifth floor work will commence.

Project # 664-15-412

VA Responses in Red

68. Provide as-builts for the building(s) and surrounding site (utilities).

Please see attached files.

69. Provide current geotechnical report.

There is no exterior work, therefore a Geotechnical report is not required. Please follow code criteria.

70. Is enhanced commissioning required for this project?

See Specification Section 01 91 00, General Commissioning Requirements.

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

A licensed and certified Johnson Control/MetaSys contractor will be selected by the General Contractor for the existing VA Johnson Control MetaSys (BMS) currently used by the VA.

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

Yes, the VA will remove all movable items. The General Contractor is to assist the VA in unbolting furniture, and moving the furniture, in other parts of the hospital.

73. Provide Hazardous Material Report for this project.

There is presence of Asbestos and Lead Counting Material present in the area of work. See Specification Section 02 82 11, Traditional Asbestos Abatement; Section 02 82 13.13, Glovebag Asbestos Abatement; Section 02 82 13.19, Asbestos Floor Tile; and Mastic Abatement and Section 02 83 33.13, Lead-Based Paint Removal and Disposal. Please see attached Haz Mat survey dated 3/15.

74. Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

This will be dependent upon General Contractor plans/scheduling and means & methods of performance.

75. Who does inspection and permitting of Infection Control? Is there an Infection

Control Permit fee?

There is no Infection Control Permit fee. Inspection will be performed facility IH, COR, and/or facility ICP.

76. In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager for the following areas: electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician, Cx Agent/LEED Specialist. These individuals or specialized technical companies are employees of the prime or subcontractor; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the experience matrix listed herein. Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on-site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager?

Consequently, adding millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project.

Yes, please provide services per Specification Section 01 91 00. If the QC Manager has the expertise in the discipline indicated, the QC Manager may have dual roles.

77. Will the government perform all project risk hazard assessments if it has not already been done or will the design-build team be performing the risk assessment?

Please note that this is not a design-build project. The Contractor is responsible for all these tasks. Please follow the requirements in the bid package and all other general requirements from the Government website or related documents. All qualified contractors must be aware of these requirements.

78. Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction.

Yes, this is correct. Please also refer to and follow the provided drawings, specifications, and Statement of Work.

79. 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

Project # 664-15-412

VA Responses in Red

Adjustment (EPA) per contract length as one of the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) 216.203-4(1)(ii) clause be added to the RFP?

Please refer to and follow the provided drawings, specifications, and Statement of Work. Please also refer to and follow the FAR and VAAR, rather than the DFARS, as this is not a defense contract.

80. 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?

Please refer to and follow the provided drawings, specifications, and Statement of Work. Any delivery delays or extended lead times will be reviewed, evaluated, and addressed on a case-by-case basis.

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

Yes, the VA will remove all movable items. The General Contractor is to assist the VA in unbolting furniture, and moving the furniture, in other parts of the hospital.

82. The facility is required to assign classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor. What are the ICRA classifications for the spaces within the scope of work?

Please see response to RFI question # 74.

83. Please confirm the Government will relocate any personnel and/or equipment/belongings if required.

Yes, please see response to RFI question # 81.

84. Please confirm the Government is responsible for temp locations within the facility.

The VA is responsible for temp locations pertaining to VA employees and VA equipment.

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VA Responses in Red

85. Please be advised that DFARs is utilized only by the Department of Defense (DOD).

The VA utilizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations (VAAR) and not the DFAR. It is the responsibility of Contractors to determine the escalations of the materials or products based on historical data and the experiences of Contractors in its cost estimates when submitting a bid.

86. Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

87. Will TAB (Testing, Air & Balance) be required after the installation of each unit, and prior to the room(s) it is servicing be re-occupied, or will we be allowed to perform TAB services at the end of each phase?

TAB shall be performed prior to re-occupancy of spaces at the end of each phase. In addition, a final TAB report shall be provided at the completion of the project.