Solicitation Questions and Answers_10 pages.pdf

Solicitation Questions and Answers August 8, 2023

# Question Answer

1. We would like to propose a more standard 60’ long modular units in lieu of 55’ all while using the existing foundation plan. Per document 04 CS_0 Erosion Control Plan, it appears the additional 5’ would not be a substantial impact.

Please confirm this is acceptable

60’ is acceptable if the contractor guarantees that it will work with the existing footings, placement of the existing sidewalk and will not interfere with the road.

2. Please confirm that all subcontractors must receive a flu vaccination per spec section 01 00 00 page 8 paragraph 8. Is this Influenza policy required on this contract?

Correct, this is a standard requirement at the St. Cloud VAHCS. If not vaccinated, a mask must be worn when in any facility or when in contact with patients or staff.

3. The specs indicate the requirement for TB testing. Will this testing be required on this contract?

Workers that will be on site will need to provide proof a negative TB test.

4. Please confirm that the DDC Controls will be Government Provided. Will the DDC’s be installed by the Government?

The site utilizes Johnson Controls Metasys. The contractor is responsible for connecting to and updating the Johnson Controls system to recognize, talk to and control the items in the leased building. See picture (below) of existing Johnson Controls NEC inside of existing trailers.

5. The room Template Report indicates that the Government is looking for 9’ ceilings. Is this a requirement on this project? This may make the building prohibitively tall for shipping.

8’ ceilings are acceptable= finished floor to finished ceiling

6. 150 Calendar days may not be attainable due to long lead items, factory line time constraints, and follow on work that must be accomplished once the structure is erected. How critical is this timeline?

Contractor shall provide a draft schedule for delivery and install of the trailers at submission of quote. If the stated period of performance cannot be met, please explain in your response. Ref. evaluation Factor 2 – Delivery Time/Schedule.

7. Is a replacement for this modular facility planned by the VA? How likely is it that the option years of this contract are exercised?

There is no planned replacement for the modular facility.

As things change from year to year, no guarantee can be made regarding contract length.

8. The SOW states that MC cable will not be accepted. Will MC cable be accepted for troffer LED lighting for ease of placement?

MC cable may be used for troffer LED lighting/lighting whips.

9. Will multiple roof mounted air handlers be acceptable ilo one large one?

Yes, multiple roof AHU’s may be utilized.

10. What is expected on the engineering side from the contractor? Certainly, building shop drawings;

however, since the foundation is already in place would these drawings need to be provided from the Contractor? Will site drawings need to be completed by the contractor? Please provide a list of expected drawings required.

Floor plans Elevations Mechanical Electrical Plumbing Foundation coordination dwg’s Site plan

11. Will STC compliant walls, and doors need to be tested or will listed assemblies all that will be required? If it needs to be tested who will be performing those tests the Government or the contractor?

There is not a testing requirement for the STC rating. A listed assembly configuration shall be submitted during design/submittal phase.

12. Project specs indicates that the site superintendent will need to train in the GEMS and Safety Training provided by VA St. Cloud. Is there a charge for this course and approximately how long does it take?

Project superintendent will attend a 1-2 hour training on site provided by the VA GEMS and Safety officer. There is no charge for this training.

13. The project specs indicate some intensive surveying of the building location and utility services. Please indicate if this requirement will be applicable on this project (due to the fact the foundation and most utility backbone is already in place… If it is required please indicate which parts of the spec are applicable; for instance, elevations of the bottom of the footing are called out which seems unnecessary in this case…

If the contractor needs to excavate, they will need to hire a surveyor to identify the locations of buried services.

Identifying the building location, finished elevation, and elevation of footings is not necessary.

14. Is the rock landscaping shown in the Erosion control plan existing, or contractor provided?

The landscaping rock shown on the lower left of the Erosion control plan is existing. The contractor is only to install a rock drive-off matt on the north end of the construction site.

15. When temporary heat is required, can electric resistance heat be used? The spec prohibits it and instead the use of gas fuel/heat is required in one section than it appears to allow it in another… Will temporary heat (if required depending on time of year) require a 24-hour watchman?

Temporary heat shall be accomplished through the use of a temporary gas fuel/heat heater with heat exchanger – no open flames.

Resistance heat is not acceptable for temporary heat.

There is no requirement for a 24-hour watchman.

16. Is the current facility powered 100% by emergency power in event of power failure? The SOW states that one recept per room, HVAC, and lighting are to be covered by emergency power… What about the Heat Trace, FA, lift station, etc. We are trying to understand all systems that need to be powered by emergency power.

Yes, the current modular building is backed up 100% by emergency power. All necessary mechanical, electrical, safety and plumbing systems shall be connected to the emergency power in order to maintain function during a power outage.

18. Do we need to secure the area under step, decks, and ramps?

The current steps and ramps are not enclosed. There is no requirement for the new steps, decks or ramps to be enclosed.

19. Do the landings need to be double sized or just ADA compliant?

The need to be ADA compliant.

20. Does contractor need to supply generator for emergency power?

No, the facility maintains emergency power generators.

Also see response to question #16.

21. Is it conducive to put a 40 door on a 50 wall?

The wall assembly, which includes the doors, must meet the STC rating required.

22. We would like some clarification on overhead storage and lighting.

Overhead storage and lighting is required for all built in cabinetry.

23. Will you accept VCG or will you want tape and texture?

VA is assuming that VCG is Vinyl Covered Gypsum board. If that assumption is correct, then yes, VCG is acceptable – contractor to submit covering options.

24. What size and load for the lockers?

Lockers will be provided by the VA.

25. What type and weight do you want the carpet?

(rolled or tile)

Tile is preferred. Carpet is to be commercial grade.

26. What height for the ceilings? (8 ft is standard)

8’ ceilings are acceptable = finished floor to finished ceiling

27. What type of cabinets?

VA to choose from standard options.

28. What length are the patch cords?

Varies on the application – each closet has a mix of 3’, 5’ and 8’ cords.

29. Can the Government please provide us with pictures of underneath the building showing the piers and the existing drill footers.

See below

30. Can the Government please provide pictures of the riser room.

31. Can the Government please provide a layout for the OSP pathway for data comm from the modular building to the comm room that is 2000 linear feet away.

32. Would we be allowed to bid with an existing certification "Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (DVBE)"?

We have read the following per Solicitation P. 15 of

64, C.7 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL

SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) (5) The term “SDVOSB participant” or certified SDVOSB means a small business that has been certified in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102).

(b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of an SDVOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be listed as an SDVOSB participant in the SBA certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128.

(1) Offers received from entities that are not certified SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.

This solicitation is 100% set-aside for Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB.

Ref. VAAR 852.219-73 (b) for details.

33. The SOW references a fire alarm system, it does not make mention if a mass notification system/paging system is required. Is there a VA SPEC that we should follow or strictly follow NFPA 72?

Contractor is to provide 6 ceiling mounted speakers spaced thought the corridor system in the modular building.

Speakers are to be connected to the existing public address system. Existing wires for the public address system have been coiled in the exterior technology cabinet. Contractor is to extend wires and make final connections to the speakers inside of modular building.

Contractor to ensure that NFPA are requirements are followed.

Existing Johnson Controls NEC (Question #4)

Existing Fire Alarm Panel (for reference only)

Existing Riser (Question #30)

Pictures from under trailer (Question #29)

OSP pathway for data comm (Question #31)

This Floor plan shows the existing path inside of the B48 crawl space that was installed under the original trailers project

Pathway from the south side of B48

Pathway from south side of B48 to B4 IT space. Pathway shown in Red.