36C26318R0687-0006001.pdf

Responses to RFIs/Questions/Clarifications submitted between 6/6/19 and 6/18/19.

Q: The questions and Answers section in Amendment 5 states to figure in extra cost for TEM Rush Analysis but the specifications under flooring and mastic removal states the VPIH/CIH will be performing the TEM Final Air Clearance Sampling and Analysis. Is the VPIH/CIH in fact performing all final clearance sampling and final visual inspections and if so is it their responsibility to bare the lab costs associated with this? Or are is the VIPIH/CIH just running the samples and then sending them to a lab of their choosing and at their cost? If they are running them and paying for them, the abatement contractor is only to provide daily PCM air sampling and PCM personal air sampling is performed by a IH or CIH.

A: The Contractor/Sub shall be responsible for all testing and associated costs. VA personnel will provide independent verification and acceptance.

Q: Under the SOW posted on 4/18/2019 it states under Section B, iv., b., v. Abatement will be required on 5th floor from 5418 to double doors adjacent to 5704/5706, but the 5th floor drawings indicate installation of new flooring in that area but also from the hallway next to stairwell 5602 over to 5500 and down to doors 5507/5506. These areas are also asbestos flooring so we assume you want all of the ACM removed from there as well. Please confirm/verify.

A: All ACM shall be removed from areas receiving new flooring.

Q: Ultrasound restrooms 2533 and 2534 are being made into a uni-sex restroom. They have nurse call in them right now, but I have not seen anything showing them being re-installed.

Q: Is the electrical responsible for conduit and boxes for the nurse call devices in the new uni-sex restroom?

Q: If the new restroom is being fitted with nurse call can the existing devices be re-used or does this require new parts?

A: Answer: No nurse call modifications are required for this restroom. Existing devices to remain in place. We understand the restroom will have two pull cords. This will be addressed in a pending future project.

Q: The instructions to bidders does not state where to place the bid bond for the seed project. Should it be placed with Volume 1 Part 3 – Responsibility or with Volume 2 Pricing?

A: An original bid bond should be placed in Volume 2 with the pricing for the seed project.

Q: Will construction debris dumpsters be allowed? If so, where will they be allowed to be placed?

A: A dumpster will be allowed, location is to be determined at Pre-Construction Meeting.

Q: Can materials/tools/equipment be stored onsite within the building or shall the contractor provide storage? Location of storage area or laydown area?

A: Contractor shall provide storage. Maximum 40’ container will be allowed, location is to be determined.

Q: With working hours on weekends or 5:00PM to 7:00AM on weekdays are there any hours of noise restriction for each building?

A: Work in areas adjacent to, above, and below in-patient areas will have noise restrictions between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Q: In response to TEM air sampling RFI responses received as part of Amendment #5, there is no Scenario in which abatement can occur on these floors and be opened by 5:00am on Monday with TEM

Analysis. There is no laboratory nearby or within driving distance to have the TEM's analyzed. The TEM's will have to be sent out via Fed Ex to a laboratory that analyzes TEM's. Those labs are not open on Sundays. So, for example, if we were to begin abatement on Friday at 5:00PM, we would have to complete abatement by Saturday at noon or earlier, to allow enough time for the TEM samples to be taken, then shipped to a lab which wouldn't receive them until Monday morning since the lab isn't open on Sunday. If they were put on a RUSH -2-4 HR Turn Around Time, the earliest we would ever get results back would be Monday at noon. For areas that will require us to work until late on Sunday, TEMs would have to be sent via Fed Monday morning since there is no Sunday delivery and pick up by Fed Ex, this means the results would not be received by the lab until Tuesday with results being received Tuesday at noon at the earliest. The solution is to run PCM air sampling which can be read on site. The mastic is a non-friable category I material, Class II Material per OSHA. When removed non-friable (by hand methods), air clearance sampling is not even required. When a buffer is used, then PCM air sampling is all that is required. The reference used to AHERA is not what is required as AHERA only pertains to schools, daycares, etc. Please confirm if the VA will require TEM testing which will add substantial time and cost to the project, or if PCM air sampling will be acceptable.

A: PCM air sampling will be acceptable for tile and mastic.

Q: Line item 15 on the statement of work states "Both restrooms include slopes down to existing floor drains. Contractor shall seal these drains with concrete and install additional concrete as needed to level the floor." Are the floor drains being deleted and the holes filled in?

A: The floor drains are to be filled in.

Q: Due to the requirement of TEM testing, will the period of performance be extended to allow for sufficient time to remove the asbestos containing materials?

A: No.

Q: The statement of work says that we are to provide a separate line item in bid for asbestos abatement and air monitoring, however there are no specific line items in the CLIN price schedule or price schedule breakdown sheet. Please clarify where we are to list this pricing.

A: Please see attached revised ATTACHMENT 7a—REVISED Price Schedule Breakdown (1 page) for a separate line item for asbestos abatement and air monitoring. This attachment shall replace the previous version and shall be submitted for Volume II—Pricing.

Q: Please confirm that no abatement will be required beyond the double doors near rooms 5704/5706 on the 5th floor.

A: It is anticipated that no abatement will be required beyond the double doors (North of 5704 and 5706).