AS06_A0001_Consolidated Site Visit QAs_636-26-502.pdf

Question 1) Does the Superintendent need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor?

Answer 1) BLUF…the Superintendent does NOT need to be directly employed by the

Prime Contractor. Keep in mind, if the prime appoints a subcontracted person as superintendent, the prime needs to give that individual sufficient authority to act on the prime's behalf, and the individual remains subject to the Contracting Officer's determination of competency and acceptability. The prime does not transfer its contractual responsibility to the subcontractor by making that appointment.

Question 2) Must the Superintendent be on site at all times while work is commencing?

Answer 2) Yes, onsite for this contract is defined as on this projects site specifically, not just on VA grounds.

Question 3) Does the SSHO (Site Safety Health Officer) need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor?

Answer 3) The SSHO reports directly to the superintendent, if the prime contractor is comfortable delegating this authority to a sub, the VA will accept this arrangement.

Question 4) Must the SSHO be on site at all times while work is commencing?

Answer 4) Yes, onsite for this contract is defined as on this projects site specifically, not just on VA grounds.

Question 5) Can the Superintendent & SSHO be a dual-hatted individual assuming that individual is qualified for both roles?

Answer 5) Yes

Question 6) Are there any other mandatory on-site roles required in this contract?

Answer 6) No

Question 7) When does the VA expect the project to start following the award?

Answer 7) NTP will be issued as soon as pre-mobilization requirements are met.

Question 8) Are there any concerns for Asbestos Containing Material or Lead in the areas being worked in?

Answer 8) No ACM is expected to be encountered. If suspected ACM is found, stop work and notify CO/COR immediately via email and phone call.

Question 9) Are there any ICRA requirements for this project? If so, What level of ICRA is required?

Answer 9) ALL areas require some degree of protective ICRA barrier. Many have been approved for plastic sheeting tape off and use of a zip door. Much will depend upon the GC/installer’s speed of schedule/capability to demo and re-lay in a given area or section. That will also drive coordination timing with Nurse Mgrs.

Negative pressure will typically be hardwall ICRA. Areas plastic allowed will require HEPA scrubbers and cleaned as frequently as required for good air quality. Some sections/areas may be better managed with hardwall across hallway into work zone, and plastic and taped within to minimize dust spread.

Question 10) Is this contract Tax Exempt?

Answer 10) No

Question 11) Can you please provide the site visit sign in sheet?

Answer 11) See attached to this Amendment (Amendment 0001).

Question 12) Can the contractors work longer work hours?

Answer 12) Generally Yes. Ben, the local COR and GC Site Superintendent to coordinate with the site and work area Nurse Mgrs.

Question 13) Will there be a laydown area provided for materials?

Answer 13) Exterior laydown. Very limited for inside weatherproof. Site staff are generally willing to accommodate only for very short duration before use. Local COR will work with GC to facilitate workable plans with site.

Question 14) Will the VA allow all trash to be placed in their dumpsters or does the contractor have to supply their own?

Answer 14) VA will Provide dumpster in general laydown area. Very possible another small project will occur at same time. Cooperation by GC & Contractors coordinating with the COR will be necessary and expected.

Question 15) Please clarify which corridor has to be completed between the hours of 1900 and 2400.

Answer 15) See below combined response with A16.

Question 16) What are the hours that noise can be created? Standard working hours for the project are 0800 thru 1630. One corridor is called out as 1900 thru 2400.

Please clarify when noisy work can be done.

Answer 16) The 3rd floor center (east) is where eating and physical therapy areas are for in-house residents. It is our estimation that due to high usage and least impact, coordination with GC & installers we would determine how much could be done in what amount of time. THAT would determine how we facilitate a plan with all affected staff. So that the work area is safely passable during the daytime.

[i.e. can installer demo and prep one night, and finish in second night? Or do we need to do in sections? These can only be answered in detail once we have a selected installer to coordinate with, and arrange with staff managers.]

Standard working hours are correct. Also, it is very likely we could begin sooner than 1900. i.e. once we know a plan, staff and residents are open to adjust supper time a few days to help support the construction team. Amount of noise is a consideration. With another project this floor cooperated such that our core work was 5pm to 10pm-ish. (And it does not preclude installer staging and getting ready to go.

Question 17) The Respiratory Clinic is a priority. Will the Clinic be closed during the flooring replacement? If not, who will be able to define what areas will be available on a daily basis for flooring replacement?

Answer 17) Scheduling in that area will be coordinated with COR, Nurse Mgr, and

GC/Installer. Nurse Mgr is prepared to make major sections available.

IF….installer can assure rapid renovation in a few days or less than 1 week, the Nurse Mgr is considering options to temporarily relocate or handle only minimum procedures. This is a cooperative gesture to help get their space renovated ASAP and support the GC/installer. [This would be a prime area to consider extended work hour effort.]

Question 18) In the respiratory clinic. We will need to move refrigerated meds. Are the refrigerators alarmed for temp readings. Are the data cables and electrical cords long enough for the equipment to be moved out of the way for flooring replacement? There is a possibility when moving the units back on top of the new flooring that the wheels will displace the new adhesive. Which will leave "tracks" in the new flooring that will be permanent.

Answer 18) COR was advised all equipment is plug-n-play and can be disconnected if have to be. Most have cords/cables long enough to move and work around if preferred. Nurse Mgr stated she has temporary plan to relocate certain cabinets out of area. As noted in A17, depends upon turnaround time.

COR’s opinion is that equipment necessary to be moved can be repositioned with simple preventative measures without ‘dragging’ on or damaging new floor. VA Engineering willing to assist for safe handling.

Question 19) Will the Physical Therapy Clinic be closed during the flooring replacement? If not, who will be able to define what areas will be available on a daily basis for flooring replacement?

Answer 19) Similar to A17, Will be coordinated per understanding of installer’s Capacity; and coordination between Nurse Mgr, COR, and GC.

Question 20) There is quarry tile under the carpet in the Physical Therapy Suite. Please confirm that the quarry tile is not to be demoed.

Answer 20) Correct. Demo carpet and prep for adhering on top of quarry tile. Any tile seams defects that will affect new tile layment, then they may need ground or leveler utilized, means and methods determined by GC for quality adhesion.

Question 21) Any equipment that has data cables and computers attached. Whose responsibility is it to power down and disconnect/reconnect equipment?

Answer 21) Staff in those areas will do so.

Question 22) Please define areas that need ICRA barriers, Manometers and Flapper

Valves? There are different types of barriers called out. Please define what types of barriers can be used. And where they are or are not allowed.

Answer 22) See A9.

Question 23) Who will be responsible to set up and tear down the barriers? Flooring contractor? GC?

Answer 23) GC is responsibe for this work

Question 24) What type of access/entry security is needed to enter ICRA barriers? Will negative air be required for the ICRA barriers?

Answer 24) Hard Door/walls should be lockable. If no outlet is possible for negative airflow, particulate monitoring will need to be completed throughout the work shift. (see also A9)

Question 25) How do we accommodate and keep patient safety the number one priority with access to rooms within the ICRA barrier?

Answer 25) Staff have planned to support with leap-frogging areas. Much depends on occupancy at the time and time required by GC/Installer.

Question 26) Do you want to start and complete one floor then move to the next? If that is the case which floor do you want us to start?

Answer 26) Detailed plan to be determined once we have selected GC and can understand production rate required. Then coordination and sequencing will be defined and conveyed to VA staff per GC schedule.

Question 27) If negative air machines are required will locations be provided for the ductwork to run outside?

Answer 27) See 24, coordinate discharge locations with COR.

Question 28) Will patients and staff be able to walk on grinded concrete if we demo and grind then open up corridors for use before new floor gets Installed?

Answer 28) Yes as long as exposed surface is cleaned, and any transition level differences minimized to prevent trip hazard for elderly or wheel chair accessibility.

Question 29) Will there be protected areas that we can store materials out of the weather when they are delivered?

Answer 29) Refer to A13. Space is limited.

Question 30) Will overnights and weekends be available to make it easier for patients and staff?

Answer 30) Yes, can be.

Question 31) Will there be a spot we can set a roll off dumpster on site for construction waste?

Answer 31) See A14. VA will provide a dumpster.