36C77025R0011 Q-A.docx

1. Please confirm that the Site Safety and Health Officer shall not have concurrent responsibilities as the Superintendent or QC Manager.

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

2. Please confirm that the Superintendent shall not have concurrent responsibilities as the Site Safety and Health Officer or QC Manager.

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

3. Please confirm that the QC Manager shall not have concurrent responsibilities as the Site Safety and Health Officer or Superintendent.

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

4. Please advise whether phases can be worked on concurrently.

This may be accomplished but impact on employee parking will be considered. This project will require coordination on site to develop plans for the movement of employee parking and construction schedules/areas.

5. Please confirm that no areas of the parking lots are required to be accessible for parking by the general public/VA employees during their respective phases of work.

There will be no public parking, however; this project will require coordination on site to develop plans for the movement of employee parking and construction schedules/areas.

6. Will contractor be able to utilize a vacant space for a field office?

See attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Site Map”.

7. Please identify an area where contractor will be able to set up a temporary office trailer.

See attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Site Map”.

8. Please confirm that the contractor may utilize facility restrooms.

Facility restrooms are not available for contractor use. The contractor shall provide portable units for use by contractor employees.

9. Please confirm whether contractor will be able to utilize facility parking near the site and provide quantity if limited.

See attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Site Map”.

10. Please confirm that this project will be done during normal working hours and no off hour or “premium” work should be accounted for.

Most construction activities will be done during normal working hours. Any utility/infrastructure shutdowns need to be submitted a minimum of ten working days in advance and those that impact operations will likely require after hours work.

11. Please confirm if project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award.

Yes, the project is tax exempt and the VA will project documentation after award.

12. Please confirm that on-site full-time supervision is required throughout the duration of the project.

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

13. Please confirm any required testing and special inspections to be performed by contractor.

The contractor is responsible for the quality of work and submitting a testing and commissioning plan. The testing and special inspections required are described in the Drawings and Specifications.

14. The drawing set does not provide information regarding the use of joint sealants in the canopy. Please clarify the scope of specification 07 90 00 Joint Sealants as it pertains to canopy construction.

Joint sealants may be required by the canopy manufacturer where there might be excessive movement between parts. Also, joint sealants will be necessary at pavement joints.

15. Please verify the scope of new paint on new structural canopies and confirm paint is to match existing canopies.

Scope of new paint on the new canopies includes all structural steel components and fasteners/bolts. Paint is to match the color of the existing canopy in the SE corner of the north parking lot.

16. Drawing AS202 figure 1 references a non-existent canopy 11. Please confirm that the detail is meant to refer to canopies 9 and 10.

Yes, that is correct; 1/AS202 is for canopies 9 and 10.

17. Please advise if figure 1 on sheet AS201 is also applicable to canopy 2.

Yes, that is correct; 1/AS201 is also for canopy 2.

18. Please advise if figure 4 on sheet AS201 is also applicable to canopy 6.

Yes, that is correct; 4/AS201 is also for canopy 6.

19. Structural sheets SB101/SB102 show that for the foundations of canopies 1-8, the top of the min. 9” concrete closure pour should match the top of existing paving. This contradicts the side elevation figures in AS201/AS202 keynote 3.01 which shows the concrete cap above the parking lot. Please confirm the desired top elevations of the foundation closures.

Please refer to civil sheet CS100 for proposed elevations of top of concrete cap (i.e., TCF) and top of existing pavement (i.e., TPE).

20. Related to the question above. Elevations between paving and foundation in sheet CS100 (namely canopy #7) provide for less than the required minimum 9” concrete closure depth, contradicting structural drawings SB101/SB102.

Structural defers to Civil. The intent is to provide sufficient cover around the anchor bolts and base plate.

21. The solar PV portion of the project has a design scope and deliverables that does not appear to be accounted for in the project solicitation documents. Please clarify if the design portion would be given a Notice To Proceed (NTP) ahead of the construction NTP.

The VA plans to issue one Notice to Proceed. The duration shown is for mobilization, meaning the design and material lead times are determined or completed. The schedule is also dependent on whether bid alternates are awarded.

22. Please clarify what the overall PV desired size is for bidding purposes. It appears that it is approximately 434KW (804 PV panels @ 540W ea.), please clarify if this is correct.

Please refer to attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Electrical Calcs”.

23. The electrical drawing sheet E-602 indicates that the South Parking Lot PV output and associated 480V switchboard shall be connected to a future Admin Building distribution board for the utility electrical connection. It does not appear that this building or distribution board currently exists, is this distribution board and connection part of this project’s scope?

No, not part of this scope.

24. If the above utility connection of the South Parking Lot is not part of this project’s scope, please be aware that those PV inverters will likely not turn on, as they will require utility power to be present to do so. This will likely make a full system operational checkout, testing, and commissioning impossible until the utility connection is installed. Please advise.

The contractor is responsible for installation and testing of the PV system, which includes providing equipment and apparatus required for performing tests, see Specification 48 14 00.

25. 480V switchboard manufacturers are currently estimating that lead times for these panels will be 40-50 weeks ARO. This does not appear to work with Period of Performance (POP) date listed in the solicitation documents as 180 days. Please advise.

The duration shown is anticipated for after mobilization. The schedule will be negotiable and dependent on whether bid alternates are awarded.

26. Please indicate whether the 9 vertical #4 reinforced steel bars in canopy 9 and 10 concrete closures are meant to extend/connect from the foundation beneath.

The (9) vertical #8 bars are not required to extend into the closure. The concrete closure is non-structural.

27. please confirm that the bid will not be extended due to 9/1 being a federal holiday?

The bid date was extend to September 8, 2025 with solicitation amendment 001.

28. Does the Superintendent need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor? Must they be on site at all times?

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

29. Does the SSHO (Site Safety Health Officer) need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor? Must they be on site at all times?

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

30. Can the Superintendent & SSHO be a dual-hatted individual assuming that individual is qualified for both roles?

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

31. Are there any other mandatory on-site roles required in this contract?

Please review the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00.

32. When does the VA expect to make an award for this project?

In Fiscal Year 2025, prior to September 30, 2025.

33. When does the VA expect the project to start following the award?

The VA does not expect any delays to start, particularly the administrative portion of the project. The Notice to Proceed and mobilization dates will be addressed following award.

34. Are there any concerns for Asbestos Containing Material or Lead in the areas being worked in?

There are no known asbestos containing materials or lead in the construction work areas.

35. The specification refers to AISC approved steel fabricator and erector, an approved fabricator/ erector would be a fabricator/ erector that builds to the required specifications, as well as AISC standards. Is it acceptable to use a fabricator/ erector that builds to the standards of AISC and the specifications on this project yet is not certified by AISC?

No, it is a VA requirement to use an AISC certified fabricator/erector.

36. Will the site visit sign in sheet be posted?

The pre-bid sign in sheet was posted with solicitation amendment 001.

37. Is there existing conduit running from the building to the new south parking lot that can be used for the solar AND lighting? Or do we need to excavate/bore and bury new conduits?

There are no connections required between the South Parking Lot System and the CMOP building. A 208Y/120V, 3ph, 4w panelboard (LTP-2) is installed in the South Parking Lot. This panel has provisions for Under Canopy Light circuits. See Sheet E-603 in the bid set. Raceways to each canopy in the South Lot have been provided from the panel. Similarly, conduits have been provided for the Solar output cables from each canopy in the south lot to the Inverter Output panel designed for the South Parking Lot. The conduits are shown in the drawings. Final Conduit connections to above grade Solar and Under Canopy lighting elements are part of the requirements of this project.

No conduits exist in the North Parking lot adjacent to the CMOP building for those new canopies. Those raceways will require sawcutting existing pavement, patching and repair as necessary for Under Canopy and Solar Output circuits as part of this project.

38. Please confirm the location of the designated laydown area for the project. Confirm if power & water are provided by VA for contractor use.

There are no power and water hookups for contractor use. Any of these services must be brought in or coordinated with local utilities.

39. Will the Contractor have full access to the parking lots without VA visitors interfering with the project area during each phase respectively?

This project will require coordination on site to develop plans for the movement of employee parking and construction schedules/areas.

40. Will the existing fencing around the parking lots act as sufficient site security, or will the Contractor need to provide additional site security measures?

Yes, the VA believes existing fencing is sufficient for site security. The contractor is responsible for security of contractor equipment, tools, and supplies.

41. Will the VA consider past performance and technical information from a Major Subcontractor from the Project Team for the overall proposal evaluation?

Yes the VA will consider past performance and technical information from a major subcontractor.

42. Would the VA consider a shallower depth of the canopy footers? 6 feet?

No, the footings should be 10 feet deep as indicated on the drawings.

43. What color does the steel canopies need to be painted? Can they be factory finished and then touched up as needed?

Please match existing canopy color. They can be factory finished and touched up as needed if the color is correct and the finish is acceptable.

44. Will the VA be allowing the Contractor to utilize the leftover pallet of pavers for the south parking lot?

Yes, the use of leftover pavers will be allowed within reason. VA does not want to deplete the entire stock of leftover pavers.

45. Does the VA have a location for material spoils from footer excavation?

The VA has no location for material spoils, and it is incumbent on the contractor to remove excess materials removed not required for reuse per contract.

46. How does the VA want the clean up on the pavers? The existing has just pea stone as a lock. Will have to probably replace or dress up after final clean up.

The intent is to restore the permeable paver parking lot to its pre-construction condition, or better. After installation of the solar equipment and final cleanup, the contractor should:

· Remove all construction debris, dust, and sediment from the surface and joints of the pavers.

· Refill or “dress up” the joints with clean pea stone of the same size and type as existing to ensure stability and maintain permeability.

· Sweep and compact the joints as needed to achieve a finished, even surface.

If the contractor anticipates any difficulty matching the existing stone, please provide a submittal with the proposed material for VA review and approval before final placement.

47. Can the VA provide an updated Price Schedule with the Alternatives noted for clear price expectations? The current price schedule just lists Bid Item 1 but not Items 2-5.

Page 12 of the Soliciation requires the price schedule by division for each bid item, so 5 schedules to account for the base bid and 4 alternates.

48. Please clarify PV Modules Manufacturer & Wattage for bidding purposes - the minimum requirements are too vague and will cause bidding to vary widely Please refer to attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Electrical Calcs”.

49. Please clarify each PV Inverter Sizing and/or minimum acceptable AC:DC Ratio for each canopy array for bidding & project design purposes.

Please refer to attached PDF entitled “762-24-103 Solar PV Electrical Calcs” and Specifications.

50. Please clarify if Rapid Shutdown Devices or DC Optimizers (ex: Tigos) will be required for each individual PV Module.

Please refer to Specification Section 48 14 00, Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System.

51. If the above RSD's are added to the scope, please clarify the exact Manufacturer and Model of the Devices to be used throughout the project.

Please refer to Specification Section 48 14 00, Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System.

52. Please clarify PV Inverter Manufacturer for bidding purposes.

Please refer to Specification Section 48 14 00, Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System.

53. Please clarify if Inverters are actually meant to be Single-Phase at 480V AC - these inverters are extremely rare. Inverters that operate at 480V on Three-Phase are much more common & will eliminate any potential balancing issues in the SIP-N & SIP-S panelboards.

Please refer to Note A on Sheet E-602.

54. Specification section 01 35 26 part 1.9 paragraph C states that the GC is to provide an SSHO for this project that is separate from the Superintendent and/or Quality control manager, with only duties as the SSHO. Please confirm the VA will enforce this requirement for this project and require a dedicated SSHO.

The Site Safety and Health Officer, Project Superintendent, and QC Manager may have concurrent responsibilities if they meet the requirements of Specifications 01 35 26 and 01 45 00. The Project Superintendent must be an employee of the Prime General Contractor, must maintain physical presence on site when construction activities are being performed, and is responsible for the quality of work.

55. Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 1.4- C requires the Contractor to retain additional specialized individuals who must be present at all times during work in these individual’s specific area of responsibility. For this project, this requirement would mean the Contractor must retain a Structural Engineer, an Architect (or Const. Professional with 5 years’ experience), a Mechanical Engineer, an Electrical Engineer, and an Environmental Engineer, all to be present onsite during activities in their respective areas of responsibility. Since hiring all of these Architects/Engineers, and having them onsite during any work taking place in their respective areas of expertise, will add significantly high costs to this project, will the VA clarify whether this will be a requirement for this project? Or does the specific subcontractor’s foreman qualify as the “construction professional” for this requirement?

The contractor is responsible for the quality of work and is required to submit a Quality Control Plan that describes the personnel and processes. Part 1.4-C also describes how a single person can cover more than one area provided that the single person is qualitied.

56. Will the VA please provide a copy of the soils report for this project?

See attached Geotechnical Report.

57. The specifications contain section 26 08 00 Commissioning of Electrical Systems, part 1, paragraph 1.1 states that the commissioning agent will be appointed by the VA to manage the commissioning process. Will the VA be providing a commissioning agent who will come up with the pre-functional checklists and the functional performance testing procedures? If no commissioning agent will be retained by the VA which testing procedures must the contractor follow?

The VA has appointed a commissioning agent. The checklists and test procedures are dependent on the approved submittals. The commissioning agent will have the lead on checklists and procedures, and will coordinate with the contractor.

58. The price schedule states that the period of performance is 180 days. The RFP states that the period of performance is 360 days. Will the VA please clarify that the period of performance will be for this project?

A. The price schedule also states, “period of performance dates are estimated actual period of performance dates will be identified when awarded”.

The period of performance is reliant upon whether alternates are awarded with the base bid as well as what the lead times are for materials.

B. If the period of performance date is going to change once the contract has been awarded will the VA be issuing a change order for the difference in general conditions between what the VA determines the period of performance is pre bid and what the period of performance will be post bid?

Negative, the price schedule for each bid item allows the contractor to include general conditions to cover the additional time for each alternate.

59. Specification section 01 00 00-part 1.3 statement of bid items lists bid alternate number 1, 2, 3 and 4 in addition to the base bid. However, the price schedule issued with the RFP is not built this way it just asks for a lump sum price. Will the VA issue a revised price schedule or do all the add alternates just need to be included in the base bid?

Page 12 of the Soliciation requires the price schedule by division for each bid item, so 5 schedules to account for the base bid and 4 alternates.

60. Sheet GI021 shows an area blocked out between Canopy #2 and Canopy #5 with the label “included in phase II”. The only work we could find in this area is on sheet AS002 keynote 2.12 states “existing covered bench to remain; paint to match new canopy” here are several questions relating to this work:

A. Other than underground electrical work, no other work is shown on the plans in this area other than to paint the existing bench, is this correct?

The existing bench includes an existing canopy that covers the bench. The work in this area includes the entire system of canopy and bench, to be painted.

B. Painting is to match new canopy, which canopy? We assume this refers to the paint color of the new canopies 1 through 6, and not a new canopy over the bench. Is this correct?

Yes, this is correct; paint is to match the new canopies, which will match the color of the existing canopy in the SE corner of north parking lot. The bench/canopy will also be painted to match this color. There is no new canopy at the bench; there is already one there.

61. Canopies 1, 5 and 9 do not have specific slopes called out for the canopy roof, we assume it will be the same slope as the others, 1”/1’-0”. Is this correct?

Yes, this is correct. Slopes are found on sheet AS002 for all canopies; 1”/1’-0”.

62. The inverter output on sheet E-602 for all solar sections is labeled as 1PH, these feed new 3PH panels, please confirm this is correct?

Please refer to Note A on Sheet E-602.

63. Sheet TS001 keynote 3 calls for a 1” conduit to be surface mounted and painted to match the existing light pole, for new camera cabling. The Camera detail calls for 3/4” seal tight installed on the inside of the existing light pole. Please confirm that keynote 3 on sheet TS001 is correct.

Keynote 3 on TS001 is correct, not the camera detail.

64. Please provide photographs showing existing conditions of the site.

Site visit was conducted on 14 August 25. VA will not be providing additional photographs.

65. Please provide paint colors for the existing canopy.

Paint is to match the existing canopy in the SE corner of north parking lot. The bench/canopy will also be painted to match this color. The color is not available. Post award, during the submittal process, a paint sample can be taken for matching.

66. Please provide subsurface geotechnical survey.

See attached Geotechnical Report.

67. Please provide the minimum performance criteria for the PV modules.

Please refer to Specification Section 48 14 00, Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System.

68. Please confirm only monocrystalline PV modules are acceptable.

Please refer to Specification Section 48 14 00, Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System.

69. Is it possible to get a copy of the Geotechnical Report referenced in the Foundation Notes (S-000)?

See attached Geotechnical Report.

70. Please confirm FAR clause 52.225-5 is not a part of this solicitation and only domestic materials are acceptable.

Correct, 52.225-5 has not been included in the solicitation.

71. Is it possible to get a copy of the Geotechnical Report referenced in the Foundation Notes (S-000)?

See attached Geotechnical Report.