S05 Technical Questions and Answers - from Site Visits.pdf

36C26325Q0714 - Cast Iron Survey – NWI

Additional questions and answers from site visits.

1. Can we run a camera through the inside of the steam piping to help determine internal corrosion and pipe thickness?

a. As an internal run through the inside of the steam piping would require at a minimum, a partial steam shutdown of the hospital, we would need justification, and approval from Director level to perform this. Additionally, the number and duration of each steam shutdown would need to be limited to as low as possible to prevent interruption of services.

2. Are line drawings available and will they be provided?

a. A very old (original build), and minimal set of original one line steam system drawings will be given to the selected contractor at the time of award. These drawings SHOULD NOT be relied on for anything other than a rough estimate of where these components are located.

3. Is the Period of Performance of 180 days a hard requirement?

a. The 180 day period of performance is the duration of when the work should be completed.

Depending on lead time of materials, staffing requirements, and potential for steam shutdowns the period of performance of within 180 days upon award is not mandatory. The VA will require good faith progress on the project must be made within 180 days.

4. Removal of insulation will be necessary to determine piping and component material makeup, is the winning contractor responsible for re insulation of these spots?

a. Yes, the contractor should be restoring piping insulation if removal is required. As a warning, many areas of the hospital still have asbestos insulation.

5. Are A307 needed to be surveyed through other systems throughout the hospital?

a. Yes, A307 bolts need to be surveyed on any steam and water system piping that is subject to temperatures greater than 100°F . This will include Steam system, non-potable hot water, and potable domestic water systems. On pure domestic water systems, it is expected the contractor perform a sample of existing domestic water piping. If during the sample of domestic water system, the contractor finds A307 bolts, they shall inform the site contacts and NWIMHC may potentially mod the contract to include the remainder of the domestic water system.

6. What type of labeling is required?

a. Labeling is to identify the deficiencies only, as is such per the scope, the contractor shall provide heavy duty labels that can endure chemicals, high temperatures, moisture, and abrasion. A simple metal sign hung from the deficiency would suffice.