RFI Notice - Solicitation No. 36C26224B0003.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) Notice Solicitation # 36C26224B0003

Replace and Remediate Courtyards 1, 3, & 4 (Project # 605-22-408)

VA Responses in Red

1. Specification Section 13 31 23 – Tensioned Fabric Structure, Part 2.2-A states the membrane used should be “PTFE” coated woven fiberglass. Drawing Sheet AS141, General Note #2 states the shading elements shall be “PES/PVC” material. Will the VA clarify which instruction should be followed and which material should be quoted?

Both PVC and PTFE work for this project, but PTFE is a more durable material for the membrane. The VA recommends PTFE, but depending on market availability, PVC can also be considered as an option for this project.

2. Drawing Sheets SS201, SS301, & AS201 depict aluminum canopies at courtyard storefront that are different assembly elements from the tensioned fabric structures. Will the VA provide specifications for the aluminum interlocking decking and a list of acceptable manufacturers for these canopies?

Mapes Canopy System is an option and is acceptable for these canopies:

https://mapescanopies.com/

3. Drawings reference the RCP- Plug load room controllers on sheet 80-E-001 and 80-EL- 501 but the drawings don’t show any of these being used. Are these controllers being used on this project?

The sheets referenced in this RFI question are not part of this project's plan set. This does not appear to be applicable.

4. Sheet 80-EP-103 depicts several key notes #9 on the drawing, but there is no keynote 9 under Key Notes. Will the VA clarify what Key Note #9 is intended to indicate?

5. Sheet 80-EL-501 shows the lighting control backbone however it does not state if the Cat 5 cable or the class 1 or class 2 cables need to be in conduit. Does this cable need to be installed in conduit? Typically, these are not installed in conduit.

Project # 605-22-408

VA Responses in Red

6. Sheet 80-ET-502, Detail 1 and Detail 4 shows two different ways to install the conduit for the low voltage data drops. Will the VA clarify which detail should be used?

7. Will the VA clarify whether 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?

The Site Superintendent may oversee the CQC team and only what the person is qualified for. However, the SSHO must be a separate person.

8. Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4-A & D requires the Contractor to retain additional specialized individuals who must be present at all times during work in these individual’s specific area of responsibility. For this project, this requirement would mean the Contractor must retain an Architect (or Const. Professional with 5 years’ experience), a Mechanical Engineer, an Electrical Engineer, a Structural Engineer, and an Environmental Engineer, all to be present onsite during activities in their respective areas of responsibility. Since hiring all of these Architects/Engineers will add significant large costs to this project, will the VA clarify whether this will be a requirement for this project?

AE has edited the spec to eliminate inapplicable disciplines. The required roles under 3.3.C are now limited to structural engineering, plumbing engineering, architecture, submittals clerk, and materials tech for concrete pavement. Please refer to attached updated Spec Section 01 45 00 (Quality Control). See clouded section on Page 7 of the updated spec.

9. Specification Section 01 45 29, Part 1.1 states that the Testing Laboratory will be retained by the VA. Will the VA clarify if the Material Testing Lab will be retained by the VA or by the Contractor?

Material Testing Lab will be retained by the Contractor. Material Testing Lab qualifications will be submitted to the AE for approval.

10. The Drawing set provided does not appear to have a Table of Contents. Specification Section 00 01 15 provides a List of Drawing Sheets. This list shows Drawing AS131 – Furniture Plan. Sheet AS131 is not found in the Drawing Set provided. Will the VA clarify if Sheet AS131 should be provided in this set and also clarify if the Contractor is responsible for providing and installing any patio furniture?

VA Responses in Red

Sheet index is provided on GI001. That list supersedes list provided under 00 01 15.

Index on GI001 shows AS131 is not a part of the contract documents.

11. South of Courtyards 3 and 4 on the 2nd floor are Intensive Care Units and other inpatient units on the floors above. Will the VA clarify if there are restricted hours, or any other measures required for work that may generate loud noise activities, such as concrete demolition?

We will continue to work within the daytime time frame of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm unless we are directed otherwise by the Nursing staff. Loud noise shall be minimized during the morning hours between 7:00 am and 9:30 am.

12. At Courtyard 1 there are various clinical offices and Executive Offices on the 4th Floor.

Meetings with patients and staff are usually ongoing throughout the day. Will the VA clarify if there are restricted hours, or any other measures required for work that may generate loud noise activities, such as concrete demolition?

For these courtyards, 7:00 am to 9:30 am may be critical to various meetings. For noise, Contractor may continue demolition during these times using quieter means.

13. At Courtyard 4, the curb under the storefront is currently in a highly deteriorated state.

Will the VA clarify if there will be any repairs of these curbs required?

Unless the condition of the curbs will affect the performance of the courtyard drainage, or negatively impact the long-term performance of the concrete, this is out of the scope of this project.

14. Specification 13 31 23 Tensioned Fabric Structure lists five (5) “Acceptable Manufacturers”. We are having trouble contacting 4 out of 5. Please provide contact information for each.

a. Birdair – In communication. They stated they will provide a proposal

b. FabriTec Structures – Phone number no longer in service. No website.

c. Pfeifer Structures - Phone number no longer in service.

d. Tensile Fabric Structures – Company name so generic cannot locate.

e. Tentnology – Out of Canada and not returning calls

The AE obtained information from publicly available sources and does not have specific Points of Contact for the different listed manufacturers. Listed below is the contact info we have for these Basis of Design sources:

a. Birdair - https://www.birdair.com/

VA Responses in Red

b. Enclos Tensile Structures (Formal FabriTec Structures / Pfeifer Structures) – https://ets-na.com/

c. Tensile Structure Systems (New) - 410-814-7525 / https://tensilesystems.com/

d. Tension Structures (New) – 800-422-6827 , 562-402-8335 / ajuarez@eideindustries.com / https://www.tensionstructures.com/

e. Tentnology – 1.800.663.8858 / tent@tentnology.com

15. Will the VA clarify if the Contractors should assume the patio planters are full of dirt from the bark top covering to the bottom of the deck? If the planters are hollow there will be much less material to remove. If the planters are full, there will be hundreds of CY to remove from these areas.

Field observations by the AE indicated that the 2-foot-high planters are completely full of soil. For the 4-foot and 6-foot planters, approximately the top 2 feet are soil, and underneath is Polystyrene block with Gravel bottom.

16. Will the VA clarify if cranes will be allowed for use over occupied buildings? If so, will the VA provide designated areas for crane placement?

Refer to GI002, General Note No.5: “Contractor may use a crane as part of construction and demolition of this scope of work. If Contractor uses overhead crane, a crane operational and safety plan must be submitted to COR for approval before any such operations are authorized to begin.

17. Will the VA permit the loading dock area to be utilized during normal working hours for staging material intake and outtake? If not, will the VA permit the loading dock area to be utilized during after hours, weekends, and holidays?

Contractor may make deliveries to the loading dock; however, any staging or storage of material is prohibited. Contractor shall provide any pallet jacks, forklifts, or personnel for the movement of material. Any materials delivered will be promptly taken into possession by the Contractor.

18. This project will require staging areas for debris removal, trucks, dumpsters, and incoming material deliveries, including concrete pumping. Sheet GI004 depicts the material route ending in the “Service Area”. Will the VA clarify if this area may be used during normal working hours as a Contractor Staging Area?

This will be discussed with the GC post award.

19. Will the VA clarify if covered carts will be permitted on the haul & elevator access routes depicted during normal working hours?

According to the latest ICRA directives, covered carts must be used at all times.

20. Regarding the noise and vibration that will be generated by the work depicted for this project, will the VA permit pneumatic jackhammers or other mechanical breaking equipment? If this equipment is too noise intensive the Contractor will have to cut the demolished material into small pieces, thereby adding more cost to the project.

We will permit the use of jack hammers after 9:30 am. Any time after that will be at the discretion of the hospital staff. If the noise is too disruptive to clinical operations, the Contractor shall find other means of demolition.

21. Will the VA clarify if electric cutting saws will be permitted for demolition if pneumatic and hydraulic equipment is not permitted?

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of electric saws is compliant with the latest OSHA guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that electric saws may be deemed disruptive to patient care as well.

22. Will the VA clarify if gasoline powered equipment will be permitted in the courtyard construction areas?

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of gasoline powered equipment is compliant with the latest OSHA, SCAQMD, or CARB guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that gasoline powered equipment may be deemed disruptive to patient care as well.

23. Statement of Work includes “Provide and install furniture for all courtyards”. Please confirm furniture will be the responsibility of VA and not part of this project’s scope of work.

Procurement & installation of new furniture has been removed from the project's scope of work. Please refer to attached revised Statement of Work (SOW).

24. If contractor is to provide and install furniture in all courtyards, provide a furniture schedule and furniture plan.

Procurement & installation of new furniture has been removed from the project's scope of work. Please refer to attached revised Statement of Work (SOW).

25. Statement of Work includes “Provide allowance for decorative statue per VA approval”.

Contractor has no information to base what amount of an allowance should be included

VA Responses in Red for a decorative statue. Please provide an allowance that all bidding contractors can include in their bid.

Decorative statue has been removed from the project's scope of work. Please refer to attached revised Statement of Work (SOW).

26. During this project there will mostly be one subcontractor working at a time (demo/waterproofing/concrete). Can the Superintendent hold collateral duties as the

SSHO?

No. SSHO must only do safety.

27. Will demolition need to be performed at night? If so, during what hours?

The VA does not foresee this as a requirement for this project.

28. Drawing AD101 General Note #5 “ . . .Furniture shall either be returned to VA or disposed of by the contractor at the direction of the COR.” Please advise if contractor needs to dispose/haul away the existing furniture so those costs can be included in proposal.

The majority of the furniture will be salvaged. Anything specifically targeted to be salvaged will be stored by the VA.

29. Plans call to “patch and repair damaged wall to match existing”. If painting the wall is required, please provide a painting specification.

The exterior around courtyard is pre-cast concrete w/ no paint.

30. Once the planters are removed the wall behind is plaster or concrete. Is contractor to repair the existing surface (plaster or concrete) or extend the ribs & waves concrete forms to cover these blank areas?

Yes – match to the adjacent wall.

31. If contractor is to extend the ribs and waves concrete forms, please provide which mold is to be used. Ribs & Waves (reckli.com)

Means and Methods - Contractor to provide this as a submittal for VA/AE approval if/when that occurs during construction.

VA Responses in Red

32. How are the concrete courtyard patterns to be made? Drawing AS121 Paving Pattern Plan Legend lists “colored concrete” in four (4) colors. General Notes A: “Pattern to be created by ¼” wide x 1” deep sawcut in conc. paving” indicating patterns would be created by sawcut and staining the concrete. Please clarify.

Yes, the patterns will be created by 1/4" wide x 1" deep sawcut in concrete paving.

33. Does the water proofing require a water pooling test after curing to test for leaks?

Yes.

34. If concrete patterns are to be created by sawcut and staining, please provide a specification for stained concrete.

The specifications already include requirements for concrete staining. A separate stained concrete spec is not necessary.

35. The current assumption is that the planters are full of dirt or gravel. Since there’s so much volume please advise if the planters are hollow below the bark. Otherwise we will assume the whole volume which appears to be hundreds of yards of material.

Field observations by the AE indicated that the 2-foot-high planters are completely full of

36. Will cranes be allowed for use to remove large sections of concrete?

Refer to GI002, General Note No.5: “Contractor may use a crane as part of construction and demolition of this scope of work. If Contractor uses overhead crane, a crane operations are authorized to begin.

37. If cranes are allowed for use, we’d be swinging over people, and we’d need a staging area. It doesn’t seem like we’d be allowed to crane heavy loads over people, and that this will be all hand work.

Refer to GI002, General Note No.5: “Contractor may use a crane as part of construction and demolition of this scope of work. If Contractor uses overhead crane, a crane operations are authorized to begin.”

VA Responses in Red

38. What will the parameters be for use of the loading dock? More specifically, will material be allowed to move through the loading dock area during the day?

Contractor may make deliveries to the loading dock; however, any staging or storage of material is prohibited. Contractor shall provide any pallet jacks, forklifts, or personnel for the movement of material. Any materials delivered will be promptly taken into possession by the contractor.

39. If the loading dock must be uninterrupted at all hours, what pathway should be assumed to take hand loaded materials out with carts or buggies?

Reference contract drawings indicating haul route begin/end at loading dock.

40. What can we assume for logistics areas and access for loading demolished material? In other words, please advise on how large of an area, and location, for loading and hauling away demolished materials whether it be low boy dumpsters, or if we can load trucks with equipment.

Due to the on-going projects at the facility, a laydown area was not established at the time of the design. A laydown area will be discussed with the GC at the pre-construction meeting post award.

41. With respect to noise and vibration, will breaking tools be allowed? Particularly for the planter walls will a machine with a jackhammer or bobcat type breaker be allowed? It seems like the noise and vibration would be too much, and we’d need to use more cutting into smaller pieces.

Means and Methods – Contractor should be prepared to use other means if bobcats and jack hammers are too disruptive.

42. With respect to noise, will concrete flats saws, and wall saw and other concrete cutting equipment be allowed? This is noisy but perhaps not as disruptive since vibration is less than when breaking.

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of the saws are compliant with the latest OSHA guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized.

Please note that Electric saws may be deemed disruptive to patient care and other means may be required.

43. Will material be allowed to be transported through the halls with wheelbarrows, carts, or buggies during daytime hours?

VA Responses in Red

Material hauling will be minimized and with the use of covered carts during daytime hours and will only go through main corridors.

44. Please give pathways to the freight elevator from each courtyard and times of day that will be acceptable to the VA.

Material hauling will be minimized and with the use of covered carts during daytime hours and will only go through main corridors.

45. Any restrictions on gasoline powered equipment in the courtyard? Safety wise, we think it will be okay, but there could be fumes, and that may be problematic.

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of gasoline powered equipment is compliant with the latest OSHA, SCAQMD, or CARB guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that gasoline powered equipment may be deemed disruptive to patient care and alternate methods should be available.

46. Are natural gas-powered equipment permitted for use in the courtyards?

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of gasoline powered equipment is compliant with the latest OSHA, SCAQMD, or CARB guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that gasoline powered

47. Can a portion of the loading dock area be used for logistics for demolition, moving material and loading into trucks etc.?

Loading dock can be used to access the haul route, as shown on drawings; however, it is not intended for use as a staging area.

48. Drawing AS141 General Notes calls for the manufacturer to provide shop drawings with structural engineering design with stamp. The tensile shade structure manufacturer does not provide structural engineering. They will only fabricate and install. Please provide structural drawings to include any required structural upgrades to building walls and method of attachment.

The requirements for the method of attachment vary depending on which manufacturer’s product is selected. For this reason, the AE cannot provide details of the necessary attachment methodology. As noted in the drawings, the intent is for the Contractor to provide shop drawings as a submittal showing the necessary attachment for AE review.

VA Responses in Red

If the manufacturer is unable to provide such details, the Contractor should plan to provide those details as part of the submittal package. Costs associated with structural engineering fees to provide that detailing should be included in the proposed bid as part of the complete proposed fee.

49. Given the proposed tensile cable net system is shown to attach to the existing multiple courtyards building perimeter, was there any previous studies or preliminary engineering work performed to understand what type of loads would be imparted into the existing building from the interface of the cable end fittings and the existing building? This is critical to understanding if the existing buildings can handle those forces from the tensile cable net system. Please provide any studies or preliminary engineering work performed.

No previous study is available. Please reference RFI # 48 response.

50. Please provide the load capability (table) of the building attachment points to review, as this will allow manufacturer to understand if it can handle the pre-stress required for the cables.

No Load Capability table is available. Please reference RFI # 48 response.

51. What type of construction access is there to get lift (boom lifts, etc.) equipment into the existing courtyard ground levels?

Refer to GI002, General Note No.5: “Contractor may use a crane as part of construction and demolition of this scope of work. If Contractor uses overhead crane, a crane operational and safety plan must be submitted to COR for approval before any such operations are authorized to begin.” As noted in the documents, the intent is for the Contractor to evaluate access as part of his work plan and provide for approval.

52. Along the equipment path(s) of travel between courtyards and contractor entry to building, what is the smallest opening (width & height) of corridors or doors?

AE did not evaluate all dimensions along potential paths of travel. Contractor is responsible for validating travel path dimensions as part of their work plan. Reference GI002, Gen Note #3 – Verify all dimensions, grades, and existing conditions at job site.

53. Based upon the current drawings showing the cable net flat in elevation, it is recommended that the PTFE fabric membrane be a mesh (vs. solid) to avoid any water ponding.

VA/AE concurs with this approach.

VA Responses in Red

54. Does the VA expect new concrete to be mixed on site using wheelbarrow method or will a concrete pump be acceptable?

This is the Contactor’s means and methods and not to be defined in the contract documents.

55. Can the VA please confirm if the Courtyards and adjacent areas will be vacated during construction?

Addressed in specifications. Please review 01 00 00, 1.6.H.2.

56. Can the VA please provide the Asbestos and Lead report?

Please refer to attached Lead & Asbestos Survey (Attachment E).

57. Does the VA want to keep or recycle any non-hazardous items of materials removed from demolition? Or will all nonhazardous items and materials be allowed to be sent directly to the landfill?

58. 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 these two rolls? If so how much time per week is each required to be on site during construction?

The Site Superintendent may oversee the CQC team and only what the person is qualified for. However, the SSHO must be a separate person.

59. Will the VA clarify if the VA or the Contractor will engage the Laboratory Testing for this project?

Material Testing Lab will be retained by the Contractor. Material Testing Lab qualifications will be submitted to the AE for approval.

60. Will the VA confirm that most of this project will be performed during normal working hours and what those hours will be?

We will continue to work within the daytime time frame of 7:00 am to 4:00 pm unless we are directed otherwise by the Nursing staff. Loud noise shall be minimized during the morning hours between 7:00 am and 9:30 am.

61. Will x-rays be required before saw cutting or coring?

As-built information on the existing paving/structure is old and may be inaccurate.

Contractor shall confirm all saw cutting and coring of structure by x-ray.

62. Confirm that the VA will be responsible for moving out all existing FFE furniture and Equipment in all areas prior to construction?

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

Due to the on-going projects at the facility, a laydown area was not established at the time of the design. A laydown area will be discussed with the GC at the pre-construction

64. Will the contractors and workers be allowed to use the restrooms inside of the building?

Will the workers be allowed to use the VA cafeteria during breaks?

Contractor is responsible for providing Porta-Johns but can use the VA Cafeteria.

65. Can the VA provide structural as-builts including existing sizes of all beams, columns existing railing and walls where we are to connect tensile structure?

Please refer to attached Structural Complete Set (Attachment F).

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

As per the Bid Submission section in the solicitation, bidders are to complete/submit a completed Section A.3 Price/Cost Schedule, which requires a lump sum bid for the Main Bid Item, a lump sum bid for Deductive Alternate 1, and a lump sum bid for Deductive Alternate 2.

67. Is there a dedicated path to and from the work areas that can sustain the removal of the large and heavy debris?

Projected haul route already shown in drawings.

VA Responses in Red

68. It is understood construction barriers need to be set up and removed outside of normal work hours. Can demolition that could cause excessive noise be performed during normal working hours?

Contractor must remain flexible to shifting the use of loud activities to accommodate facility medical operations.

69. Can demo be performed during normal work hours?

Contractor must remain flexible to shifting the use of loud activities to accommodate facility medical operations.

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

There is no required phasing for this project, as the areas of work are vacated during operations (see 01 00 00, 1.6.H.2).

71. Provide as-builts for the building and surrounding site where the canopies and Fabric Structure are to be attached to the railings and building installed.

Please refer to attached Structural Complete Set (Attachment F).

72. Will other Fabric Structure contractors be approved to be used besides the 5 listed in the specs? It seems that none of those are very interested in the job and most are from out of state.

The list of potential manufacturers was provided as reference only and is not to be considered a restrictive list. The Contractor may provide fabric shade structure from a different manufacturer, so long as the product meets the requirements and intent provided in the contract documents.

73. Verify that the Owner (VA) will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc. from the building prior to construction?

74. Will ICRA be required? If so, has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces?

Yes, it will be required. Refer to GI003, GI004, and GI005 for further ICRA information.

75. Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction.

7:00 am to 4:00 pm will be considered standard work areas. However, to maintain hospital operations, those hours may float/alternate with respect to allowable disruption to patient care operations.

76. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays and unforeseen costs of materials in nearly all commodities. How is the VA going to accommodate this if this trend continues?

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

77. Besides, 852.219-75, does the VA want any additional FAR clauses included and submitted as part of the offeror’s proposal?

Please refer to the “Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors” section in the solicitation for a complete list of required bid submission documents.

78. Does the VA have a location at the site for the removed concrete and related demo materials or will this need to be hauled off site daily / weekly?

Due to the on-going projects at the facility, a laydown area was not established at the time of the design. A laydown area will be discussed with the GC at the preconstruction

79. Why does the Division 2 Specs say (to be provided at 95% submittal) in the table of contents?

That is a typographical error in the documents. Applicable Division 2 specifications are already provided in the contract documents.

80. Of the five (5) “Acceptable Manufacturers” for the tensioned fabric structures, one does not have enough information to bid, two have been purchased by Enclos and this project is too small for them to bid, Tensile Fabric Structures is too generic of a company name to locate contact information and one is Canadian not returning calls. Will VA provide company name and contact information for person A/E worked with during design phase?

VA Responses in Red

The AE obtained information from publicly available sources and does not have specific Points of Contact for the different listed manufacturers. Listed below is the contact info we have for these Basis of Design sources:

f. Birdair - https://www.birdair.com/

g. Enclos Tensile Structures (Formal FabriTec Structures / Pfeifer Structures) – https://ets-na.com/

h. Tensile Structure Systems (New) - 410-814-7525 / https://tensilesystems.com/

i. Tension Structures (New) – 800-422-6827 , 562-402-8335 / ajuarez@eideindustries.com / https://www.tensionstructures.com/

j. Tentnology – 1.800.663.8858 / tent@tentnology.com

81. Due to difficulty in getting a bid for the tensile fabric shade structure, will VA provide an allowance for contractors to carry in the bid?

No. All bids in response to this solicitation must be submitted/delivered electronically via email to arthur.dewitz@va.gov by the indicated bid due date/time.

82. For bidding purposes should contractor assume the existing planters are filled with soil full depth and topped with mulch?

Field observations by the AE indicated that the 2-foot-high planters are completely full of

83. Will gas and/or propane powered equipment be allowed in the courtyard areas?

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of gasoline powered equipment is compliant with the latest OSHA, SCAQMD, or CARB guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that gasoline powered

84. If only electric powered tools are allowed in the courtyard will the use of a generator be allowed?

Means and Methods – Contractor will ensure that the use of gasoline powered equipment is compliant with the latest OSHA, SCAQMD, or CARB guidelines and the required safety personnel and PPE are being utilized. Please note that gasoline powered

VA Responses in Red

85. If VA requires electric power tools for the large equipment needed to break up planters and concrete, where is the nearest source of 480v power?

This will be discussed with the GC work plan post award.