RFIs Final.docx

600-17-118, VA Long Beach HVAC Compliance Upgrade for RME

1. The project Specifications do not include any Sections for Asbestos Abatement. Will the VA clarify if any HAZMAT (ACM / LBP) will be expected to be encountered during this project?

Specification section 0 031 26 states there is a hazardous materials report available for viewing. See attachments to this amendment. While the VA may not anticipate HAZMAT encounters, it is crucial to acknowledge the possibility, ensuring proper planning and safety measures are in place if/when needed.

2. Specifications Section 00 31 26, Part 1.1-B states: “An existing internal environmental report is available for viewing in its entirety upon request”. Will the VA provide this HAZMAT Survey so a determination can be made if costs for Asbestos Abatement should be included in this offer?

See response to item #1.

3. There are 38 rooms scheduled for upgrade under this project. For bidding purposes, will the VA clarify how many rooms / areas will be provided for construction access at any one time?

Per specification section 01 10 00, 1.4.A – Contractor to provide a proposed phasing plan for approval. Perform the work so as not to interfere with VA hospital operations. GI002 includes a “List of Rooms Affected” and states that the contractor shall provide a schedule to construct part 1 rooms (listed) first. All other rooms are part 2 rooms and construction shall be scheduled after part 1 rooms. VA can accommodate up to three (3) rooms at one time.

4. Will the VA clarify how many days that each room will be allowed to be “out of service”?

Specification section 01 32 16.15, 1.7.A.3 states “Break up the work into activities/events of a duration no longer than 20 workdays each or one reporting period, except as to non-construction activities/events (i.e., procurement of materials, delivery of equipment, concrete and asphalt curing) and any other activities/events for which the COR may approve the showing of a longer duration.”

5. Specification Section 00 31 26 refers to existing hazardous material information that is available to the bidders. Section 02 41 00 – Demolition, Part 1.2 refers to related work Specification Sections 02 82 11 – Traditional Asbestos Abatement. There were no Specification Sections included for hazardous material abatement (ACM, LBP) or for any abatement oversight.

a. Will the VA provide the HAZMAT Survey(s) that are referenced in Section 00 31 26?

See response to item #1.

b. If the VA is unable to provide current HAZMAT Survey(s) to the Contractor, will the Contractor be expected to conduct a HAZMAT Survey for the areas involved with this project, prior to commencement of construction?

It is not in the specifications for the Contractor to provide a HAZMAT survey.

c. Does the VA expect the Contractor to encounter / disturb asbestos containing material during this project?

According to the specs, it is possible, but not currently anticipated according to the reports provided in this amendment.

d. If so, will the VA provide the appropriate Specification Sections for asbestos abatement, abatement oversight, as well as the quantities expected to be removed for bidding purposes?

If encountered, this will be addressed during construction performance as a Differing Site Condition.

6. Will the VA clarify the ICRA level required for this project? Will hard walls or flame-retardant plastic be required for negative pressure work area containment?

ICRA assessment. Details H and I/A906 on the drawings show the Infection Control Partitions. Per VHA ICRA 10.23.23, ICRA level required for this project is Level III; hard barriers are not required for this project. All plastic barriers must meet NFPA 241 requirements.

7. Will the VA clarify if the HEPA filtered exhaust from the ICRA negative pressure containment may be exhausted through existing facility exhaust ductwork?

We would not recommend using the existing facility exhaust ductwork as this would interfere with normal operation of the exhaust system.

Also, we want to clarify the approach to the controls for this project. The new HVAC controls shall seamlessly integrate with the existing Metasys system on site. All the data shall be accessible from the existing Building Management System (BAS) infrastructure currently present at the VA Long Beach. The new data shall be populated on the existing system graphics and trend reports. Due to recent projects, a portion of the existing BAS system is still under warranty. Any contractor adding or modifying the BAS system will have to assume responsibility for the current warranty.

8. Will the VA designate an area for the Contractors lay down yard and confirm an area will be provided for this purpose located on-campus?

Yes, VA will provide lay down area. Contractor’s laydown area is located on the north side of campus next to the water towers.

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

Per spec section 013526, 1.6.C, the CQC and SSHO may be the same individual if the contract does not involve one or more of the following:

· Work of a long duration or hazardous nature.

· Performance within a government facility that, per the VA construction safety representatives, involves hazardous operations that might endanger the safety of the public, patients, and/or Government personnel or property.

It is not assumed the work in this contract involves any of the above, therefore it is acceptable for the Site Superintendent to serve both CQC and SSHO roles, so long as the qualifications meet VA requirements.

10. Specification Section 01 35 26, Part 1.13 requires Tuberculosis screening for every worker prior to placement onsite. Will the VA confirm that this will be required for this project?

Yes, Tuberculosis screening is required in the contract per the referenced spec section.

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

No, the VA will not require the Contractor to retain additional specialized individuals beyond personnel directly involved in the work and a Site Superintendent for this project.

12. Specification Section 01 91 00, Part 1.7 is to list the systems being commissioned for this project, but this Specification Section has not been edited. Will the VA confirm that formal commissioning is required for this project? If so, will the VA provide the list of systems to be commissioned?

Specification Section 019100, 1.3.I-P lists the systems to be commissioned in the form of “related work” spec sections: Exterior Closure, Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Communications, Electronic Safety & Security, Site Utilities.

13. Specification Section 01 91 00, Part 1.8-C states that the VA will engage the commissioning agent (CxA) by separate contract. If formal commissioning is required for this project, will the VA confirm that the CxA will be contracted by the VA and that this will not be a cost to the Contractor?

Concur. The CxA is contracted by the VA, while the CM and CR(s) are contracted by the Contractor. The CxA is contracted during the design phase, not construction. The CM uses the information provided by the CxA in the IFC submittal to designate the CRs’ responsibilities.

14. Will the VA clarify that if ceiling tiles are removed, the corresponding fire sprinkler heads will need to be turned upward during the period when the ceiling tiles are not present?

It is expected that fire sprinkler heads will be protected in place. Modifications may be made while ceiling tiles are not present, only in accordance with NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 Edition.

15. Specification Section 07 84 13, Part 1.5-C requires a third-party firestopping inspector to inspect each fire stopped penetration. Will the VA clarify whether this will be required for this project?

Inspections will be conducted by the VA Carpentry Department.

16. Can the VA provide the hazardous material report, to identify asbestos abatement requirements.

See response to item #1.

17. Sheet GI002: (Infection Control/Asbestos Notes 2.1) Can you provide the HA SHEETS?

Use details H and I on sheet A906.