36C26318R0687-0005007.pdf

Responses to Questions/Clarifications:

Q: Can CPARS be submitted in lieu of PPQ for Past Performance?

A: A: Offerors shall submit Past Performance Questionnaires for relevant projects within the last three years, if available. The Government has access to the CPAR records; therefore, no need to submit as part of your proposal submission; however, CPAR evaluations may be used by the Government as other sources in evaluating Past Performance per IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, Section 5.3.6.

Q: Is this project sales tax exempt?

A: Nebraska Department of Revenue’s Purchasing Agent Appointment and Delegation of Authority for Sales and Use Tax (Form 17) and Nebraska Resale or Exempt Sale Certificates (Form 13) will be issued to the awardee of the seed project.

Q: Do the PPQ's and Sub-Contractor Information Consent Forms count towards the Volume 1, Part 2-page limit?

A: Only Tab 1 and 3 under this index is subject to the fifteen (15) page limit as identified in IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions 4.3.2. Attachment(s) 1 or joint venture agreements submitted are not included in the page limitations nor are Past Performance Questionnaires as those shall be directly submitted to the Contracting Officer.

Q: Is there any way we can email bids to you?

A: See IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, Submission Instructions, 1.1 and 1.2. One electronic copy of all Sections of the proposal (Past Performance, Technical, Responsibility and Price) shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist via CD or email by the due date. In addition to the electronic submission, one (1) original and three (3) hard copies are to be provided on or before the due date. One (1) electronic (CD or email), one (1) original, and three (3) hard copies of each Volume.

Q: Can you confirm what is requested in Past Performance Volume 1, Part 2?

A: See IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, 5.1.2 for Proposal Volume Contents. Tab 1 is a discussion/narrative to demonstrate how well you have performed in the past on multidiscipline work of relevant contracts. Tab 2, if applicable, shall include Attachment 1, Sub-contractor Information and Consent Form(s) if you are proposing a teaming partner or arrangement. Tab 3, if applicable, shall include any rebuttal information to negative past performance. In addition to what shall be included per the index, see further requirements under 5.3 Volume 1, Part 2- Past Performance Section for further requirements, i.e., Past Performance Questionnaires, executed joint venture agreements. Please note that only Tab 1 and 3 under this index is subject to the fifteen (15) page limit as identified in IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions 4.3.2. Attachment(s) 1 or joint venture agreements submitted are not included in the page limitations nor are Past Performance Questionnaires as those shall be directly submitted to the Contracting Officer.

Q: You are requesting we submit PPQ’s to our clients, but you do not want copies of the PPQ’s that were sent.

A: See IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions 5.3.1—Offerors shall prepare and submit to prior clients a Past Performance Client Questionnaire (Solicitation Attachment 6) and instruct the clients to forward directly to the contracting office via e-mail provided. For additional instructions and/or guidance, see the provided sample transmittal letter in Attachment 6 that indicates where completed questionnaires shall be submitted.

Q: Are you requesting Project description information for each project that was sent on the PPQ? Is it the same information provided in the PPQ’s for Past Performance, and the same information we will be providing in Volume 1 part 1 Company Experience as well?

A: Company Experience should include detailed information about the company’s experience in providing construction services, which are of similar nature to the work to be performed under the requirement.

Past Performance shall provide information in a discussion/narrative format to demonstrate how well you have performed in the past on multidiscipline work of relevant contracts.

Q: Are you just wanting reference list of the PPQ’s that were sent, Contact information from the clients in section for Past Performance, Part 2?

A: Tab 1 under this Volume and Part shall include a discussion/narrative to demonstrate how well you have performed in the past on multidiscipline work of relevant contracts. You may include a list of clients that PPQ’s that were sent to; however, a client list it is not a requirement of this section.

Q: Wouldn’t this be the same exact request requested in Volume 1, Part 1 Technical Tab 2 Company Experience?

A: Company Experience should include detailed information about the company’s experience in providing construction services, which are of similar nature to the work to be performed under the requirement.

Past Performance shall provide information in a discussion/narrative format to demonstrate how well you have performed in the past on multidiscipline work of relevant contracts. Did you overcome any obstacles or provide recommended approaches that were accepted and ultimately the outcome was satisfactory? Exceeded schedules?

Q: If Volume 1, Part2 Past performance Tab 1 is a discussion/ narrative. What are you expecting/requesting in the written discussion/narrative? No further details were provided.

A: A discussion/narrative that demonstrates how well you have performed on past projects of relevant work/contracts. Did you exceed any performance or contract requirements? Did you overcome any obstacles or provide recommended approaches that were accepted and ultimately the outcome was satisfactory? Exceeded schedules?

Q: Will this be the same info provided from Volume 1, part 1 Technical Tab 2 Company Experience?

A: Company Experience should include detailed information about the company’s experience in providing construction services, which are of similar nature to the work to be performed under the requirement.

Q: If we state that the project has a CPARS evaluation, will this be accepted instead of the PPQ that needs to be sent?

A: Offerors shall submit Past Performance Questionnaires for relevant projects within the last three years, if available. The Government has access to the CPAR records; therefore, no need to submit as part of your proposal submission; however, CPAR evaluations may be used by the Government as other sources in evaluating Past Performance per IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, Section

5.3.6. While the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of providing current, accurate and complete Past Performance information rests with the Offeror.

Q: I know you do not want the CPARS or PPQ’s I the proposal, but will a note saying that there is a CPARS evaluation be suffice for the proposal?

A: The Government may be using data from other sources, including CPARS to evaluate Past Performance regardless of whether you have it listed in the proposal or not. While the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of providing current, accurate and complete Past Performance information rests with the Offeror.

Q: Do you want the Reps & Certs to be filled out and added to the proposal? If so, where would you like the Reps & Certs to be added?

A: FAR 52.204-7, System for Award Management is included in this solicitation; therefore, the offerors Representations and Certifications section shall be completed during the registration of SAM. Any amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) as identified under FAR 52.204-8(d) can be submitted under Volume 1, Part 3—Responsibility, Tab 5, Verification of System for Award Management (SAM).

Q: It appears we will need another site visit as there were items we did not have time to view.

A: No additional site visit is be necessary as the space of the project is the same.

Q: RFI #3 – No plans, elevations, sections, details or measurements are provided for the reception Counters. Please provide applicable plans, elevations, sections, details, callouts, etc. showing heights, widths, depths, thicknesses, installation of applicable material, etc.

Q: Please clarify if all locations where countertops are being replaced are also requiring that the casework be replaced? If so, please provide plans, elevations, sections, details or measurements for corresponding casework.

Q: Is the glazing located at the first-floor lobby reception and the second floor lobby heart station to be removed and reinstalled, or removed and replaced, or removed and disposed?

A: Reception areas have been removed from the project.

Q: Section 09 06 00 of the specifications, as well as, the general scope of work refers the bidder to the project plans for the room finish schedule, however, no room finish schedule or finish floor plan is provided. Please provide a room finish schedule and finish floor plan designating where all specified finishes are to be installed. (The “Finish Schedule” located in the Spec Section 09 60 00 does not specify locations for the listed material and neither the specifications nor the drawings indicate quantity or scale).

Q: Per section 090600, paragraph 3.3B1 (attached-see page 9) the finish schedule was to be included in the drawings. I did not find it.

A: The finish schedule has been added to pg. 6 of the drawings. The finishes for the flooring work shown on pages 7 and 8 are listed on those pages.

Q: What is the floor finish for 109 and 110 A: A finish schedule has been added to page 6 of the drawings. The floor finish in 8-109 and 8-110 is CT-1.

Q: believe we need dimensional/scaled drawings with details, so we can compile an accurate estimate:

a. Dimensional drawings of the hallways with new flooring indicating the sizes of the border & field tile. As well as the layout of the arch detail at the ends of all corridors.

b. 2nd floor, Elevator Lobby Flooring – Item #4 SOW

c. Dimensional plans for the restroom work on 2nd floor and building 8.

d. 7th floor, Reception counter work – Items #6 & #7 SOW

e. Building 8 reception counter – Item #8 SOW

f. 2nd floor, Heart Station – Item #3 SOW

g. Dimensions or sections of all reception counters that are being replaced.

h. Dimensions, elevations & sections of the rework of the 1st floor lobby reception counter. For instance, what happens to the existing glass front?

i. Answer (to all of above): Square feet and linear feet of flooring have been added to pages 7 and 8 of the drawings. Use these as quantities when developing pricing. Where required, the accent flooring shall be 12” on each side of the corridor. This is now covered in section I.B.iv of the SOW.

ii. 7th floor reception counter work, Bldg. 8 reception counter, 2nd floor heart station, 1st floor lobby reception, and other reception areas are removed from the SOW.

iii. Dimensions have been added to the restrooms on 2nd floor and bldg. 8. Also reference the clearances on page 5.

Q: No sections or interior elevations are shown of the restrooms other than typical installations of fixtures. Please provide interior elevations and sections of the restrooms with room labels and view directions showing the planned design for the restroom layout including tile, fixture, casework, and partition installation.

A: Dimensions have been added to page 2 and 4 of the plans.

Q: No Door Tags (Numbers) or Door/Hardware schedules are provided designating door/frame types, heights, widths, ratings, or hardware sets per door location. Please provide Door Tag Numbers designating the locations of the specified doors and please provide a corresponding door/hardware schedule designating door/frame types, heights, widths, ratings, or hardware sets per door location.

A: A door hardware schedule has now been added to page 6 of the drawings. The door hardware schedule has also been updated in 08 71 00 of the specifications.

Q: No scales are provided on ANY of the provided drawings. Please provide scales on all drawings for bidding and takeoff purposes.

A: Dimensions have been added to some of the drawings and square feet and linear feet to the others.

Use these quantities for pricing. There is a problem with the as-built drawings that’s caused problems getting the drawings updated with a scale.

Q: Are the furnishings in the Building 8 Restrooms to be removed by the VA or by the GC?

A: These are primarily provided by the GC. Clarification on this has been added to I.B.i.16 of the SOW:

“Provide and install fixtures, partitions, furnishings, and signage according to drawings and specifications.

i. Provide and Install new grab bars and wall backing at locations noted on the drawings and in accordance with ADA/ABAAS requirements.

ii. Provide and Install the following toilet room accessories in women’s restroom 109.

Coordinate locations with VA and project elevation drawings.

1. Install one toilet tissue dispenser, TA-1.

2. Install one combination paper towel dispenser/waste receptacle, TA-4.

3. Install one soap dispenser, TA-5.

4. Install one stainless steel framed mirror, TA-6

5. Install one new sanitary napkin/tampon disposal, TA-8.

iii. Provide and install toilet room accessories in men’s restroom 110. Coordinate locations with VA and project elevation drawings.

1. Install a new toilet tissue dispenser at each toilet for a total of two new toilet tissue dispensers, TA-1.

2. Install one combination paper towel dispenser/waste receptacle, TA-4.

3. Install a new soap dispenser at each sink, for a total of two new soap dispensers, TA-5

4. Install one new stainless-steel framed mirror at each sink, for a total of two, TA-6.”

Q: How will the abatement be phased for each of the floors and how much time per phase? Once containments are in place, there will be no access available to the rooms next to the hallways until the clearances are passed.

A: Work will have to be phased such that the affected areas are open during normal business hours. It is likely that the work will need to be done in multiple phases and likely over weekends. It will be permissible to leave bare concrete during normal working hours. If it isn’t possible to complete remediation work over a weekend due to monitoring and testing durations, the work may be allowed to continue into a Monday (or start on a Friday). HOWEVER, a RUSH analysis is required to complete the remediation work as quickly as possible. The additional time will only be granted if still required even after utilizing a rush analysis. These extra hours must be closely coordinated with the COR and will only be allowed for remediation-related reasons.

Q: Specifications ask for TEM air sampling. In Nebraska, PCM Air Sampling is all that is required for mastic removal if performed friable (with a buffer). If a buffer is not used, and the mastic is removed by hand methods, in Nebraska clearances would not be required at all. I assume the VA would like clearances no matter what, but would PCM’s be better than TEM’s?

A: TEM is required for air clearance. PCM can be used for screening.

Q: TEM Air Clearances will require keeping the containment in place for at least a day until the TEM air samples are analyzed by the lab since those are shipped out. PCM’s could be read on site with immediate tear down after abatement is completed.

A: Per our industrial hygienist, we must use TEM.

Q: If TEM air sampling is chosen, what kind of turn around will they want on the samples? This is important to know since RUSH analysis is much more expensive than 24 hr or 48 hr analysis.

A: Assume Rush analysis. Affected areas will have to be accessible during normal business hours, so the work needs to be done as fast as possible. We understand this is extra cost.

Q: What will the working hours be for the abatement work?

A: Weekends and 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday.

Q: In the specifications, it also makes mention of Mudded Fittings. Is this because there may be a possibility of those in the 2nd floor bathroom demolition work?

A: Yes.

Q: What distance from the new bathroom door openings will the existing wallpaper be required to be replaced?

Q: In section 01 00 00 General Requirements - We are instructed to "Remove all Wall Coverings" in the demolition phase. I am assuming this would include all existing vinyl wall covering around hollow metal door frames in the corridors, that are scheduled to be replaced. New Vinyl Wall Covering will need to be reinstalled. In section 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes - Vinyl Wall Covering is not called out in either the Painting section or the Wall and Door Protection section. Nor is it listed under 3.1 Finish Schedule and Miscellaneous. Abbreviations. (Typically - Vinyl Wall Covering abbreviated as VWC)

1. What is the manufacturer, color and pattern of the existing Vinyl Wall Covering?

2. Is this product available?

3. Who is to supply the vinyl wall covering, owner or contractor?

4. If the owner is to supply the material, does the owner have a stock pile of this material that can be used for this project?

A: The wallcovering to be demolished is at the widened door frames. There is no stock available. The contractor shall demolish as little wallcovering as possible and try to leave a clean edge- which likely means the demolition will be required to go to the nearest seam or door frame. This edge should then be sealed. The area where the wall covering was removed shall then be painted or have new wall covering installed, depending on the location. See updated scope of work for specifics. The contractor will need to prepare the wall for the new finishes. The paint or wallcovering will be provided by the VA out of their stock. Follow-on projects are planned to provide full updates to these finishes.

Q: The finish schedule lists HR-1 (Rigid plastic handrail). Is this to be used on the project? if so, where?

A: No. This has been deleted from the specification section.

Q: Are there any corner guards to be used on the project?

A: No.

Q: Are the wood doors scheduled to be field finished or factory finished, to match existing?

A: Factory finished.

Q: Infection Control Note #2 calls for fire rated barrier around construction sites. There are several areas of this project that a fire rated barrier may not be feasible. For example the MOVE! CLINIC identifies that the area is to be accessible throughout construction, will a fire rated barrier be required at this location?

A: Due to the nature of this project, no fire rated construction barriers are required. Other barriers will be required as needed to meet infection control requirements and separate the construction site from patients and staff.

Q: Is building 8 constructed on a Slab-on-grade or is there a space below restrooms 109 and 110? If there is space below, what occupies that space and what are the work hours for that area?

A: Building 8 has a small basement below the restrooms. Work in Building 8 shall be Weekends and 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday.

Q: Are the new sinks for the building 8 restrooms to be integral sinks with a countertop? Please define the scope with regard to the vanities.

A: Building 8 restrooms will not have a countertop. The drawing has been updated to reflect this change. A fixture type has also been noted on page 5 of the drawings. Sinks shall be handicapped accessible, see fixture mounting diagram.

Q: What is the ceiling finish for 109 and 110 A: Sherwin Williams Ceiling Bright White SW7007. This has been added to 09 06 00 and the finish schedule on the drawings. This is PT-5.

Q: What are the wall finishes for 109 and 110 A: CT-2 up to 3’-0”, a 1’-0” accent strip of tile CT-3, a 1’-3” section of CT-2 with CT-4 bullnose, then EPT- 1 to the ceilings. Page 5 of the drawings shows the typical elevation for this. Page 6 and specification section 09 06 00 now includes a finish schedule.

Q: Note I.B.ii.1. on the SOW states that the offices are to remain accessible during construction. Is the intent that offices 3750, 3756, 3760 will remain accessible and uninterrupted during the day?

A: Yes. The work will need to be completed outside of normal working hours.

Q: What are the wall finishes for 3750, 3756, 3760?

A: The existing wall finishes are paint on the interior, wallpaper on the exterior. A note has been added to the SOW clarifying the patching required. It reads: “The wall finish in the hallway outside the rooms is wallcovering. Contractor shall demolish this as required to replace the door frames. The contractor shall demolish as little wallcovering as possible and try to leave a clean edge- which likely means the demolition will be required to go to the nearest seam or door frame. This edge should then be sealed.

The contractor shall then paint the wall at areas where the wallcovering was removed. The contractor shall prepare the wall for painting. The VA will provide paint out of local stock. Follow-on projects are planned to provide full updates to these finishes. The wall finish inside the rooms is paint. The contractor shall patch paint the wall on this side as needed after demolition. The VA will provide paint out of local stock.”

Q: What are the floor finishes for 3750, 3756, 3760 and the corridor outside of 3760?

A: Carpet on the interior, 12”x12” tile on the exterior. VA will provide a piece of tile for the contract to install as a patch at the demolished frame area.

Q: For all of the door frames that are being widened. Are there any electrical/communication/alarm items that will need to be relocated to accommodate the revised opening size?

A: No.

Q: Note I.B.iii.1 notes that the area must remain accessible during construction. Does that just mean that the corridor needs to remain passable? Is there a minimum width that needs to be maintained?

A: The offices must remain accessible during normal business hours. Work must be performed during off hours.

Q: What is below room 2533 and 2534, what work hours will be required to work above ceiling in that area?

A: Exam rooms are located below the restrooms. Work must be performed Weekends and 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday.

Q: What type of construction are the walls between 2533 and 2534?

A: Walls are assumed to be concrete or tile block.

Q: What are the required wall finishes for the new corridor wall containing the 5' door with 1' leaf?

A: Use PT-4 SW7567. This is also now noted on the finish scheduled. Base shall be Johnsonite #45 Sandalwood.

Q: Can you confirm that all work is to take place nights and weekends, and can you define those hours?

A: All work shall be performed weekends and 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday.

Q: Specification section 08 71 00 lists the door hardware but does not say what doors they apply to.

Please confirm which hardware sets go with each door opening.

Q: What hardware set applies to the new double corridor door in the Ultrasound area?

Q: What hardware set applies to room 2533?

Q: What hardware set applies to the two doors into room 3756?

Q: What hardware set applies to the door into room 3760?

Q: What hardware set applies to the door into Building 8 Room 109?

Q: What hardware set applies to the door into Building 8 Room 110?

A: A door and hardware schedule has been added to page 6 of the drawing and specification section 08 71 00.

Q: On the 5th, 6th and 7th floor flooring replacement areas what are the requirements for accessibility during the day? Will areas of clean bare concrete be acceptable for short periods of time?

A: Yes.

Q: For areas under flooring that need abated what is the turnaround time for the VPIH to process tests certifying the area as decontaminated?

A: Assume Rush analysis. Affected areas will have to be accessible during normal business hours.

Q: Will the VPIH have the capability of performing final inspections, air sampling and air clearance testing on weekends, including Sunday?

A: Inspections, sampling, and testing will be allowed on weekends.

Q: Are floors 5, 6 and 7 active during the weekends and/or holidays, or will we have full unencumbered access to those floors on such days?

A: These areas are not active during weekends or holidays.

Q: Will the VA move out of the infusion area for the flooring replacement?

A: The infusion area has been removed from the project. See updated drawings.

Q: Please confirm that any warranty referenced in the specifications, even if it modifies FAR clause 52.246-21, beyond one year is intended to be a manufacturer's warranty for the product as referenced in the specification section.

A: Yes, it is the manufacturer’s warranty.

Q: Please clarify the ICRA Level for this solicitation.

A: Assume Class III requirements.

Q: What ICRA will be required in the areas below the restroom remodels.

A: Bldg. 8 is Class I. Under Ultrasound Class III

Q: Is the contractor responsible to relocate the occupants below the restroom remodels, if so what will be required?

A: Area will be vacated outside of normal business hours. Work must be completed during that time.

Most of the furniture will remain in place and need to be protected by the contractor during work (plastic or drop cloths should be adequate). The VA may be able to relocate some furniture items if absolutely necessary.

Q: Please provide as-builts for the existing areas to be remodeled.

A: See attached As-Builts drawings. No other original drawings are available for this project.

Q: Please provide the as-builts for all areas with door replacements.

A: Drawings are not available for this area. Bid per what is shown on the plans.

Q: What are the sizes of each of the existing door opening that are scheduled to be enlarged?

A: The doors are approximately 2’-6”.

Q: How many layers of wallboard are present in the existing restrooms to be remodeled?

A: This is unknown.

Q: Please provide an asbestos survey.

A: See attached Asbestos Survey.

Q: Please provide quantities of asbestos that is to be removed.

A: Amount is approximately equal to the area of flooring to be replaced. These quantities are now noted on the drawings.

Q: Please confirm that the areas that are not mentioned to include asbestos removal are to be assumed free of asbestos.

A: Correct.

Q: Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

A: There will be no designated parking area for workers. Workers can use any open parking lots.

Q: Will the government accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations.

A: Procore will not be acceptable on this task order. The submittal software requirements will be specified for each individual task order. Typically, the VA contracts their own submittal software.

Q: During construction in an area where the ceilings or fire suppression system will be disrupted, will NFPA 241 apply? Will the government require additional security measures beyond NFPA code such as fire watch, temporary fire alarms, adjustments to sprinkler heads, etc.

A: NFPA 241 shall still apply. Sprinkler heads shall be turned up if ceiling grid is removed or an alternative ILSM put into place.

Q: Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions?

A: Simplex services the VA’s fire alarm system. All work shall be coordinated through the COR.

Q: Has the work area been checked for asbestos/ Lead Based materials? Is there a report available?

A: See attached Asbestos Survey.

Q: What will be the working hours for this project? Will the GC have to restore all areas for the next day?

A: Contractor working hours shall be weekends and 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM Monday through Friday. All areas shall be restored by the next business day except the bathrooms can be left. Bathroom work must still be done off-hours, though, due to noise.

Q: No MEP plans have been provided for the restrooms showing supply/returns, power, lights, and fixtures. Please provide MEP plans for the restrooms. (Follow-up to RFI #8 – MEP work may not be required on the ceiling, but MEP work it is definitely required for the walls as the SOW and plans indicate complete demolition of all restrooms and reinstallation/relocation of all fixtures and vanities effecting the electrical and plumbing scopes. Please provide MEP plans for the restrooms) Q: Please confirm that the only plumbing scope in this project is to replace fixtures?

Q: Please confirm that there is no mechanical scope in this project?

A: Plumbing work is required. Additional information is now added to the SOW. A plumbing fixture schedule has been added to the drawings. We cannot provide a more complete MEP design at this time.

As-built drawings are attached. We don’t have more updated ones available. Toilets and sinks will need to be removed from the restrooms and new ones reinstalled in different locations. Complete drawings aren’t available for this work. The spaces have been changed, but the contractor should assume for bidding purposes that the main lines have remained in place. Assume no HVAC work besides removal and reinstallation of diffusers. If any is required, it will be dealt with as a modification after award.

Q: Are all the electrical fixtures to be replaced in area under this Contract. Will any Panels, Conduits, Fire alarm pulldowns or any communication will be modified?

A: Wall mounted electrical fixtures are to be removed and reinstalled only as required for installation of new finishes. Panels, conduits, pulldowns, and communication will not be modified. If other modifications are required, these will be considered unforeseen site conditions and the contract modified as appropriate.

Q: Will GC be allowed to use existing cabling/ Conduits while replacing new fixtures?

A: Yes, as long as all codes/regulations are followed.