Emergency Dept Expansion - Pre-Bid RFIs and Responses Apr 16 2021.pdf

36C77621B0003 – Cleveland ER Expansion Technical Questions & Answers

1. Please confirm that the bid time is 1400.

A: Yes.

2. What is the anticipated award date?

A: We anticipate award will be made as soon as possible.

However, pricing shall be guaranteed 120 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due.

3. Will the VA provide a Builders Risk Insurance Policy, or will the GC need to provide this insurance?

A: See FAR 52.228‐5 (a), the Contractor shall, at its own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance of this contract, at least the kinds and minimum amounts of insurance required in the Schedule or elsewhere in the contract.

4. I see there is minority participation for trade workers, is there any minority participation requirements for subcontractors/vendors?

A: See FAR 52.222‐23 (b), these goals are applicable to all the Contractor’s construction work performed under this contract in the covered area.

5. Currently, the base bid project duration is 695 days, however, we do not see a submittal period prior to the start of the 60‐day pre‐construction period where the ER entrance is modified.

Please provide the submittal period duration and advise if the 695‐project duration is being extended out to accommodate submittals, safety plan, schedule submission, etc.

A: This question has been addressed in Addendum 1.

It is intended that the submittal period (i.e. Pre‐Construction) is to be performed simultaneously with the Temporary ED construction.

This is indicated on AS‐X‐0.0 as well as under “Pre‐Construction Notes.”

6. Is it anticipated that Phase 1A sitework be complete (asphalt, curbs) before Phase 1B is started?

That is to say multiple mobilizations for the site contractor.

A: Yes, the Phase 1A sitework shall be completed and ready for use before the Phase 1B sitework is started, so there is no interruption in the ambulance drop‐off capabilities for the

Emergency Department during the project.

7. Staging/Trailer ‐ Will the GC need to relocate the job trailer between Site Phase 1A and 1B? And will there be a space provided for the job trailer and/or dumpster locations for Phase 2 & 3?

A: Yes, the job trailer will need to be located inside the shaded “Construction Area” shown for

Phase 1A and Phase 1B on the drawing MSP‐04 Site Phasing Plan.

Per drawing MSP‐04, the entire site shall be opened and ready for use at the end of Phase 1B.

For Phases 2 & 3, the VA will provide a space for the dumpster. A space will not be provided for the job trailer.

8. Can the GC tap off the existing heating system for heat/steam for temp heating units during the construction of Phase 1?

A: No.

9. Can work suspend during the winter?

A: No.

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than 695 days after receipt of notice to proceed.

Per Specification 01 32 16.13 (Network Analysis Schedules), paragraph 3.6:

Weather Delays - All delays due to Weather shall be analyzed on a month by month basis. The unusual weather events and its “after-effects” must impact the work activities on or near critical path work to qualify for weather delay extension. Any weather-related delays claimed by the contractor must be “above and beyond” the “normal weather” pattern (10-year average) and shall be supported by the data shown in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the region of the country where the project site is located. The weather delay analysis (along with NOAA weather charts) shall be submitted to the VA within 30 calendar days after the weather event has passed. VA considers Time extension due to the weather is “non-compensable” time only.

10. Should winter conditions be included?

A: Yes, cold weather requirements for concrete are in paragraph 3.9 of Specification 03 30 00

(Cast‐in‐Place Concrete).

11. Are there any time constraints with regards to noise and vibration?

The most disruptive will be the installation of the caissons both for temp shoring as well as in the building design. Tying into the existing structure will also have some impact.

Please note, the time it will take to perform the caissons off hours will greatly impact the project schedule if needed.

A: See Specification 01 57 19, paragraphs 1.5F(1) to F(3) (Temporary Environmental Controls) for activity limitations based on noise levels produced.

12. Does the work that is performed in the existing hospital need to be performed on off hours?

A: See “Phasing Duration and Construction Timeframes” note legend on the Life Safety drawings for work which must be performed during off hours/weekends.

13. Does the work that is performed in the existing hospital need to be performed on off hours?

(weekends, second shift)

A: Please see response to #12 above.

14. Do shutdowns and tie ins to existing systems need to be performed on off hours?

A: Yes. Please see response to #12 above.

15. Can the temp shoring used to brace the earth to dig the basement be cut and left in place below final grade? It may not be possible to remove the H beams put in place to hold the retaining walls and removing them may disturb solid ground too deep to compact.

A: Leaving the temp shoring would be acceptable structurally.

Temporary shoring shall not interfere with new or existing construction.

The contractor shall cut and remove the temporary shoring at a point 8’‐0” below grade (i.e the top 8’‐0 of the shoring shall be fully removed, remainder can remain in place permanently.)

16. GS‐0 Existing Site Survey and GS‐3 Site Utility Plans do not seem to match up.

There is an existing waterline that is shown in different locations but no work (other than to tie in for a fire hydrant) is called for. There also appears to be storm traveling through the new build into the existing building on GS‐3.

Which is correct and what work needs to be done to install the new building as it may interfere with the existing utilities?

A: There is no work noted on drawing GS‐0. This sheet is the project’s original survey.

Information that became available after the completion of the survey is shown on the other GS series drawings.

With regards the existing storm sewer to remain within the proposed building footprint, see coded note #18 on drawing GS‐2.

17. Clarify if the VA would hold the contract for commissioning or the GC.

A: The VA will hold the Contract and has already brought this company on board.

Per Specification 01 91 00 (General Commissioning Requirements), paragraph 1.8(C)1, “the VA will engage the CxA (Commissioning Agent) under a separate contract.”

18. Please clarify who is responsible for hiring the commissioning agent? The specifications note in different places that this is the responsibility of the Government and in other places this is the responsibility of the General Contractor.

A: See response to #17 above.

19. Is the VA or the GC responsible for commissioning?

A: See response to #17 above.

The Contractor requirements for commissioning are found in Specification 01 91 00 (General

Commissioning Requirements).

20. Is the VA or the GC responsible for systems integration?

A: The contractor is responsible for systems integration, per Specification 25 05 11

(Requirements for Integrated Automation).

21. Both spec volumes note on page 2 that the specs are for the VHA project. Please confirm that these specifications are for the ED Addition Project and not the VHA Project.

A: This has been corrected in Addendum 1 ‐ this is not the VHA Project.

22. Will the VA accept steel fabrication from a non‐AISC company?

If the VA will not accept an AISC certified steel contractor, please advise if a AISC certified subcontracted erector that would physically erect the steel is acceptable.

A: No. AISC certification is required for fabricator and installer, per Specification 05 12 00

(Structural Steel Framing).

23. Drawing AS‐200/Elevations show 21" tall internally illuminated red, free‐standing metal exterior signage lettering. There is no spec for this.

Is this being purchased and installed by the Government?

A: This sign is to be provided by the Contractor. See Addendum 2 for sign requirements.

24. Is there a wall type designation for the exterior framing?

Regarding the structural notes on drawing S‐0.2 ‐ confirm exterior cold formed metal studs are

20ga. except the 18 ga. G90 coating at masonry veneer walls.

A: No, there is not a wall type for exterior framing.

Please refer to all Wall Sections, Structural drawings, and Specs for specification and type of exterior wall studs.

25. Please confirm whether or not Doors 1AC225A and 2AC200A are fire‐rated doors.

If these doors are to be fire‐rated, please provide specifications as currently, no spec exists.

A: Doors 1AC225A and 2AC200A both occur in 1 HR rated smoke barriers and are required to be

20 minute rated per Code and as indicated on the Door Schedule.

Fire resistance rated glazing for these doors is indicated on drawing AS‐700 in a schedule listed as “Fire‐Resistance Rated Glazing,” and the requirements are stated clearly.

The installed door assembly must meet 20 minute rating with the required rated glazing.

26. Specify the room numbers of the Psychiatric Emergency Dept‐ (will need anti‐ligature hardware)

A: Rooms that require anti‐ligature hardware are clearly indicated on the Door Schedule and the Floor Plans.

Refer to drawing AS‐1.3 for the room and door names/numbers, and refer to drawing AS‐700 for the door schedule.

Hardware Schedule also clearly spells out this scope.

27. Would Scranton Products would be a qualified substitution for metal locker?

A: The Contractor is responsible for meeting the requirements in the drawings and specifications as written.

The Contractor is permitted to propose products equal to those specified, during the post‐award submittal process (unless a product is identified as sole source in the contract documents).

All such products are subject to review and approval by both the VA and A/E and may be rejected if not equal.

28. EPDM Roofing Spec (07 53 23) states to have 100 mil white EPDM membrane.

Manufacturers who offer white EPDM typically only have 60 mil and 90 mil. 100 mil is not a thickness that is offered.

Please advise if 90 mil is acceptable.

A: 90 mil is acceptable.

29. EPDM Roofing Spec (07 53 23) has a couple products that do not appear to be in the roof design per the drawings, nor needed for this roof system.

Please advise if any of these items are required: 2.6 ‐ Fasteners for securing pavers, 2.7 and 2.10

‐ separation sheet/protection mat. This system does not have any pavers specified, and therefore would not need fasteners for them, nor the separation sheet/protection mat.

A: Fasteners for securing pavers are NOT required (no pavers are included in the Project).

Separation sheet and protection mat are also not required.

30. Roof Specialties Spec (07 71 00) states that coping must be a minimum .063 aluminum.

.063 aluminum is available, but there are very few standard colors that it comes available in.

Additionally, detail 4/AS403 states that it is to match the metal wall panels.

Is the coping to match the wall panels at all locations?

If so, is the coping to be included in the roofing scope or under the wall panel contractor’s scope? If it is under the roofing contractor’s scope, it would possibly require a custom color which carries significant upcharges. Please advise.

A: In looking at the latest version of Spec Section 07 71 00 on the TIL, 0.063” thickness requirement is the MINIMUM permissible per the VA standards and therefore should not be reduced.

Yes, the intent is that the color of the coping will match the metal panels at all locations.

It is up to the General Contractors as to whose scope this work shall fall in ‐ neither the VA nor the A/E can make this decision.

31. Roof and Deck Insulation Spec (07 22 00) item 3.6H specifies 3 different methods for insulation installation.

Please advise desired method (all mechanically fastened, all adhered, or first layer mechanically fastened and subsequent layers adhered).

Please note that with concrete decks, it is common to have all insulation adhered.

Please note with steel decks, it is common to either mechanically fasten all insulation, or to have all layers mechanically fastened except for the top layer (which can be the coverboard) which is adhered.

Please advise desired installation method, and whether it will be different for the concrete deck roof versus the steel deck roof.

A: All insulation shall be figured to be fully adhered for both deck types.

32. The roof plan (AS3.1) shows a guardrail on the roof, which is to be anchored.

There is no specification for this guard rail. Additionally, there are guard rails that have weighted bases that can be free‐standing instead of penetrating the roof and requiring flashing into the roof system.

Please advise the desired product.

A: Architect/VA will accept the free‐standing guardrails with weighted bases as an Alternate

(same will actually be preferred and coordinate best with another Fall Protection Project being undertaken by the VA at a later date).

For these guardrails, Bidders shall use Kattsafe GW34 Series as the basis of design (or approved equal). All guardrails utilized on the project must be in compliance with OSHA 1926.502 and

1910.23. Documentation indicating compliance with same will be a requirement for approval.

33. The roof plan (AS3.1) for the canopy shows an insulated roof area over the vestibule, transitioning to an uninsulated roof area that just has gypsum board and EPDM on it for the remainder of the canopy.

There is a small detail on 3/AS202 that shows the transition between insulated and uninsulated roof area. However, the drain for this roof is located a few feet into the insulated area.

How is this going to work? How are we going to get water up over the “hump” transition going from the non‐insulated up to the insulated area in order to reach the drain?

A: The drain will need to move southward into the uninsulated area and shall be figured as such for Bidding.

34. Detail 7/AS403 shows the transition between new roof and existing paver roof.

The existing paver roof is believed to be PVC membrane. This means that the EPDM will not be able to “seal” into the PVC membrane. Typically details like this have both membranes meeting and overlapping under a coping that secures and covers them to prevent water intrusion.

Please advise if this is desired/acceptable.

A: A coping shall be added at this condition on top of the two (2) wood plates in lieu of the overlap shown in the detail. Please include same for bidding.

35. Can you confirm the routing of the vent line for the condensate pump and flash tank? On drawing H‐0.2‐1 none is shown.

A: The flash tank is vented to the low pressure steam main as indicated on the drawing.

The condensate pump vent shall be routed up through the first floor plumbing chase in room

1AC201A, offset within the ceiling space, and continued up through the second floor and roof utilizing the plumbing chase in room 2AC231.

See Addendum 2 for formal drawing change indicating this routing.

36. Can you confirm the size of the high‐ and low‐pressure steam for the steam station?

On drawing H‐0.2‐1 it shows 6” high pressure steam entering the steam reducing station and

10” low pressure steam exiting.

On the detail on drawing H‐002 it shows 1‐ ½” High pressure steam entering and 3” low pressure steam exiting.

Can you confirm which size is correct?

A: The 6” HPS and 10” LPS indicated on the floor plans is correct.

37. For the paint booth exhaust and podiatry hood exhaust what type of sheetmetal should be used?

A: Type No. 2 ductwork (general exhaust) from the ductwork material schedule shall be used.

38. Is the podiatry hood furnished and installed by others?

A: The podiatry hood is already owned by the VA and currently in another room of the 2nd Floor

Specialty Care Department. It will be relocated into this new room as a part of this Project (by the VA).

Contractor will be responsible for running utilities to it as depicted in the drawings.

39. With regards to drawing P‐001 (PLUMBING GENERAL NOTES, SCHEDULES, DETAILS, AND

SYMBOL LEGEND), the plumbing equipment schedule shows the flow for the sump pumps but does not list the TDH.

Please advise the TDH.

A: Sump pumps shall be rated for 43 GPM at 30 feet TDH.

40. Is ProPress/Victaulic piping allowed?

A: No, this is not permitted.

41. Is Centrak Staff locating to be included as an option or just an interface to a 3rd party locating system.

If interface only, what is the 3rd party solution?

A: The VA will be sole‐sourcing Hill‐Rom nurse call system with Centrak locators for this Project.

Revised drawings are in Addendum 2.

42. What wireless phone is in use today?

Is this only for the interface or are we to bid mobile as an option?

A: The Contractor is not responsible for providing wireless services from a mobile carrier.

The Contractor is responsible for providing the wireless materials, equipment, and devices in the drawings and specifications.