Technical Questions Responses - Renovate SPS - Little Rock_ JDa.pdf

Solicitation # 36C77621R0035 Renovate Sterile Processing Services – Little Rock Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 3-28-21 4/30/2021

Sheet AS100 calls for a 10' wide covered walkway from hospital to the two trailers (approx. 170' long) and between the two trailers another (approx. 70'). Will the VA furnish a drawing showing how they want this built and out of what materials?

Revised sheet will be provided in Addendum.

2. 3-28-21 4/30/2021

Is the covered walkway to be enclosed and if so by what materials are the walls to be made of?

Revised sheet will be provided in Addendum.

3. 3-28-21 4/30/2021 Per the specifications of the Steris trailers is states that the VA is responsible for cleaning (to include the floor stripping and waxing) is that a true statement is the contractor going to be responsible?

Once the Steris Trailers are set up and operational, the VA will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the trailers during the period of construction.

4. 3-28-21 4/30/2021 What means of fence stabilization does the VA require to hold done the 8' chain link fence that goes around the generator and the two trailers? (i.e. sandbags, drill dowels into paving, etc.)

The General Contractor has the option to decide how to stabilize the construction fence.

5. 3-28-21 4/30/2021 Will the VA provide a drawing or guidance on how they would like for different cables and wiring to be run between both the generator and trailers and the building and the trailers?

The VA will provide guidance to the General Contractor after the contract has been awarded.

6. 3-30-21 3-30-21 Sam.Gov says the bid due date is April 20, 2021, and the solicitation says April 16, 2021. Can you confirm the correct date?

The date in beta.sam.gov has been corrected to match the due date in the solicitation.

7. 3/31/21 4/30/2021

The plans call for RES-01 flooring, but the specification has RES-03 mentioned. Please let me know what type of resinous floor the owner is desiring.

Per PG-18-14, RES-03 should be used in sterile storage areas: Revision will be provided in Addendum.

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8. 4/1/21 4/30/2021 Will the Government allow contractors to submit PPQs previously submitted for other projects? Prior Performance Questionnaires are required on nearly every Government contract and they are generally the same questions. This allows us to not continually ask our clients to submit yet another PPQ.

Factor 2, Past Performance: Each proposal shall provide current and relevant information regarding an Offeror’s actions under previously awarded contracts. This shall include a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) construction projects for the Offeror that best demonstrate their past performance on relevant projects in size, scope, and complexity to the RFP. For the purpose of this evaluation, a relevant project is further defined as “the construction and/or renovation of multiple rooms or buildings in an active campus or related environment, similar in size and scope to this project.” Projects shall have a minimum value of $3,000,000.00 and be 100% completed. Projects submitted for the Offeror shall be completed within the past five years of the date of issuance of this RFP.

9. 4/1/21 4/30/2021 We request "approved equal" status for Bell & Gossett pumps, expansion tanks and air separators as required by the individual equipment schedules.

Bell & Gossett pumps, expansion tanks, and air separators are allowed if they meet all specification and performance requirements.

10. 4/1/21 4/30/2021 Can we get specifications on the rental generator we will have to provide?

Yes. Specs in first pre-bid addendum

11. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Is the construction fencing shown on Drawing AS 100 both the dark line listed as security fence and the red dashed lines around the trailers and generator? Are they both to be 7' chain link fence or is there a difference?

The dark line shows the boundary areas and there only needs to be a single security fence.

12. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Is the generator shown on drawing AS 100 a contractor furnish, or a VA furnish item? If contractor furnished can you furnish specifications for it.

Contractor furnished. Specs in pre-bid addendum

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13. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 With lumber prices going up each day can the VA give a allowance for the covered walkway?

No.

14. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Are the barricades shown on AS 100 VA furnished or contractor furnished?

VA will furnish the barriers

15. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 9 indicates that schedules can be provided in 11x17, but no schedule requirement is listed herein the solicitation beyond the cost/price schedule.

Please confirm.

Schedules shall be provided in Microsoft Project and provided to the COR. They can be printed out on 11x17 sheets.

16. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Please confirm that 9 pages are allocated for the past performance in the technical narrative following the narrative portion.

Volume I including all non-price factors (Understanding of Project requirements and Past Performance) shall not exceed a total of TWENTY- FIVE (25) pages

17. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Please confirm whether graphics and header/footer information can be smaller than the designated 11-point font indicated in Section 2.7 Proposal Requirements.

Proposals shall be submitted using Times New Roman, with font no smaller than 11 point with normal proportional spacing.

18. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Provide current geotechnical report. Explain the reason behind needing the geotechnical report

19. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Is enhanced commissioning required for this project? Commissioning has already been awarded by the

VA.

20. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

Existing controls systems in the building are Siemens and Trane as stated in the specifications.

21. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Will the owner be purchasing and installing the FF & E? No response, FF & E unknown reference

22. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing

ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc from the affected areas prior to construction.

Refer to sheet AD101, and AD11. Contractor to remove as specified.

23. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Provide Hazardous Material Report for this project. Refer to sheet HA101 and ACM Report provided in Basis of Design narrative.

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24. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4 states:

In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager for the following areas: electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician, Cx Agent/LEED Specialist. These individuals or specialized technical companies are employees of the prime or subcontractor; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the experience matrix listed herein.

Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on-site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager? Consequently, adding $millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project.

The referenced paragraph continues “These individuals can perform other duties but need to be allowed sufficient time to perform the specialized personnel’s assigned quality controls duties as described in the CQC Plan.”

The specs require that these personnel “be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility” and that they “can perform other duties”. The contractor is to bid as shown.

25. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.2 states:

The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with 5 years construction experience on construction similar to this Contract.

Does this statement require simply a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree such as a master's or a PhD.

Graduate refers to the minimum degree required to obtain professional licensure (typically 4 years for engineers and 5 years for architects).

26. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Can the KTR reuse salvaged building components in the new buildout if they are in compliance with the RFP?

No.

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27. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting. Posted with the technical question’s response

28. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction Normal work hours for VA sites are 7:00AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday except for Federal Holidays. If the Contractor desires to work on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or outside the project site’s normal working hours the contractor must submit a written request for approval to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at least seven (7) working days prior to the proposed start.

29. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302-1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation? If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

No justification has been prepared.

30. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Please confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

confirmed

31. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Door legend shows Integrated Door Systems on this project and there is a specification for integrated door assemblies. The only place an integrated door system would apply is at the automatic doors. From past projects, the VA typically does not want integrated door systems.

a. Does the VA want any door to be an integrated door?

b. If so, which doors?

Not all abbreviations shown in legend are in use on project. No integrated doors required. Delete section 08 17 10.

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32. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Sheet EL301, General note #3 states that the S3 symbols are to be 2 button "low voltage" switches ran thru a relay panel.

a. Are the S3's shown on the 5th floor to be "low voltage" switches tied to the relay panel on the ground floor?

b. Or are they to be "normal" 3way switches?

c. Are the S3's that have ceiling occ sensors in the room to be "low voltage" switches tied to the relay panel?

d. Or regular 3way switches? Example- Room#GE107B

a. Yes low voltage, no not tied to the relay panel on 3rd. All S3 switches everywhere are nPODM by nLight. Zones/rooms with relay control by the central relay panel are on 3rd floor only and have S3 low voltage switch wring back to the central relay panel per General Note 4 Sheet EL301.

Zones/Rooms not feed by this central relay panel shall have in-room nLight power packs one in each Zone/room, an nPP16, whether on 3rd or 5th floor.

b. No, not “normal”. They are to be the nLight nPP16 compatible device nPODM XX where the XX is the color code. WH for white, IV for ivory, AL for almond, specified by architect.

c. Low voltage occ sensor devices are nPP16 compatible device NCM PDT 10, supplied with necessary control wiring splitter, one for each device each.

No, not regular. See above.

33. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Electrical drawing ES200 notes an 800kW trailer mounted generator with a 96-hour fuel tank. If this is correct, the generator would need to be Tier IV rated. As such Cummins nor any other generator provider produces a mobile generator of that size due to changes of EPA regulations. Will the VA please provide an alternate generator that meets the requirements of this project?

Tier 4 not a requirement according to Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, Office of Air Quality.

Specs in pre-bid addendum

34. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 The specification sections for the generator (26-32-13) and ATS (26-36-23) are not in the spec Construction Specifications. Will the VA please provide the specifications for this portion of the project?

Specs in pre-bid addendum

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35. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

Neither the solicitation, the specifications, the drawings, nor any documentation provided by the government specifically states that the General Contractor is responsible for renting the Steris Mobile Trailers. Will the VA please identify which party to the contract is responsible for renting the Steris trailers?

The General Contractor will responsible for the rental of the Steris Trailers.

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36. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The STERIS engineers stated not to build any corridors leading to the STERIS trailers until the trailers arrive onsite. This will generate a tremendous amount of expense to the VA to have those trailers onsite and not being used while waiting for the 5B to be complete and the corridor to be built and finished. Most construction projects at the VA have change orders that push the period of performance and extend the construction time.

If the contractor funds the trailers and there is a PoP extending change order (as there always is) then the VA will be paying a marked up premium (appx $200K a month plus sales tax, overhead, and profit) for the added time on these trailers. If the VA buys these off of the GSA schedule they will save a tremendous amount of funding.

a. Does the VA want to internally pick up the cost for the temporary STERIS trailers through the GSA schedule to prevent paying the contractor’s markup and sales tax both on the front end and in any time extending change orders?

b.

Is the VA aware of the pricing plus sales tax that STERIS is charging the contractors for the MONTHLY use of EACH these trailers?

The General Contractor will responsible for the rental of the Steris Trailers.

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37. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

No response required

38. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Does the VA want the contractor to assume the expense for line item 4 in the above pricing schedule?

Yes

39. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Does the VA want the contractor to assume the expense for line item 5 in the above pricing schedule?

Yes

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40. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 How long in weeks, months, or days, will it take the SPS staff to transition their team and equipment (if any) into the new STERIS trailers?

Two weeks for transition

41. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 How long will it take the staff to demobilize and transition back to the new SPS after construction?

Two weeks for transition

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42. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The plans call for support for lighting, power, and 4 mini-split systems for the corridor leading from the existing building to the mobile trailers but does not show any details on the corridor or what is expected. To be clear, there are no details in any of the drawings, specifications, or solicitation on how to build this corridor.

a. Does the General Contractor include the cost to build the corridor in their bid?

b. If so, will plan pages or details be put out in an Amendment to show what is required as far as how to build it?

c. Since this is technically a sterile environment, does the corridor need to have sheetrock or plywood interior walls?

d. Should the walls be painted with epoxy paint or FRP?

e. Drop in ceilings or sheetrock ceilings?

f. Emergency egress exits along the corridor?

g. Fire alarm and fire suppression in the corridor?

h. Finished VCT floors, epoxy floors, epoxy walls, in the corridor?

i. If so, what type of finishes?

j. If fire suppression, where will the contractor tie in to?

k. Can the exterior be made up of framed lumber, plywood, building wrap, with metal R-panel or vinyl siding for exterior covering?

l. STERIS stated that gutters are required to prevent water from flowing back onto the trailers. i. What should the gutters consist of?

m. Is it ok to disperse the rainwater from the gutters and downspouts into the parking lot?

Plans and Details will be provided in Addendum.

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43. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 40 Section 1.20 – Professional Photographer is required to take job site photos and indexed using AutoCad. No other VA job that we know of has had this requirement. Will this spec section be required on this project?

Indexing not required. Please maintain number, quality and frequency of required photographs.

44. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 70, 01 35 26, 4.f.2 – Use of explosive actuated tools requires training and a certificate. Is this a requirement for this project as it has not been required on other VA projects?

Not required

45. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 75, 1.7.C states that the SSHO cannot be the super or QC Manager and must be always on-site. a. Will the government allow the site superintendent to be dual hatted as the SSHO or Quality Control Manager?

b. Will the government require both positions to be filled by independent people?

Bid as shown.

46. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 76, 1.8.B states that the OSHA 30-hour cert has to be completed within last 5 years for SSHO and all Competent Persons for trades. Will this be required?

OSHA states the 30-hour cert is good as long as the certified person retains the OSHA 30 card.

Bid as shown.

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47. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 77, 1.9.B – Must have monthly safety inspection by a Certified Safety Professional. This has not been a requirement on VA projects in the past. Will this be required for this project?

Bid as shown.

48. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 111, 3.4.B – CQC Manager – Graduate of Construction Management and 5yrs exp and alternate must have same qualifications. Will the CQC Manager need the Graduate of Construction Manager degree for this project?

Bid as shown.

49. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 111, 3.4.C – CQC Personnel – states the team must include a Commissioning Agent/Leed Specialist, and Engineers. LEED specialist have not been required for any other VA project. Independent Commissioning agents have not been required for previous VA projects.

Engineers for individual trades have not been required for other VA projects in the past. a. Will these individuals/specialists be required for this project?

Commissioning Agent has been contracted. LEED Specialist is not required.

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50. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 112, 3.4.D – CQC and Alternate must be CQM certified. This course is only offered by the Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers.

a. Will this be required for this project?

b. We’ve been asking the USACE for a CQM course for the last two years but due to COVID they refuse to offer one. Will the VA host or coordinate for a training course if they choose to make this mandatory?

Bid as shown.

51. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 117, B.2 – states that the contractor must have an on-site testing lab for all testing on the site and allow the government or their designee to use the lab at no cost to the government for assurance checks. This is another requirement in the specs that has not been required on VA projects in the past. Other areas of the specs state the government will retain the testing lab.

Page 121, 1.1 – Spec Section for Testing Laboratory Services states Testing Lab retained by the VA. Page 305, 1.3 – concrete testing under the GC when previous specs state Lab testing under the VA retained testing lab.

a. What is the actual requirement for on-site testing lab services for this project?

Delete paragraph 01 57 19.1.1 in its entirety and replace with the following:

“This section specifies materials testing activities and inspection services required during project construction to be provided by a Testing Laboratory retained by the Contractor.”

The contractor is responsible to determine if on-site testing lab is required as part of their work.

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52. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 The following sections discuss Special Inspections. Page 141, 1.4 – Have to provide a separate schedule for Special Inspections.

Page 141, E – Special Inspector must witness work completed required by special inspections. Inspector must be a 3rd party independent retained by the contractor.

Page 145, 1.4.C – Special Inspector Qualifications See chart on page 145. They must be on-site when applicable work is being done and do daily reports.

These special inspectors have never been required on a VA project in the past. Are these special inspectors required to the level as depicted in the Specs?

Not required

53. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 172, 01 81 13 states that this is a Leed Project – Will this be a Leed Project or is that carryover from another project?

This section is on Sustainable Construction Requirements. There is no mention for LEED certification or LEED requirement. The VA is still energy conscience minded, sustainable materials, and etc.

54. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 242, I.1 For Owner Training, contractor to provide professional photographer to video the training. The VA has never required a professional photographer onsite in the past. a. Is a professional photographer required?

Photographic documentation meeting quality, frequency and subject of specifications may be provided by contractor personnel. PowerPoint Presentation is acceptable in lieu of video.

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55. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The following pertains to Asbestos Abatement. If required, these requirements will be a huge added expense to the abatement. Page 272, 2. states that a new independent construction Shower Room is required for Abatement areas. Page 273, 1.9.5.1 and 2 states that a Wash Down Station and Washroom required for Abatement areas. Page 275, H. Plumbing, hot and cold water, sump pumps required for Abatement area shower, washroom and wash down station. Page 283, 3.1.2.B – Abatement areas need electrical locked/out, tagged/out and provide temp lighting and power to the abatement areas. Page 285, 3.1.3.5 –state that the contractor shall Provide Auxillary gas/diesel powered generator outside the building with power run to the abatement area to power at least 50% of Hepa machines in case of VA power grid and back-up generator grid failure. a backup generator has never been required for abatement air monitoring in the past.

a. Is a generator required for this project? If so, will the VA please provide the specs for the generator so that the contractors are on the same page?

b. A temporary shower room has never been required for abatement in the past. Is one required for this project?

c. Lock out tag out has never been required at the VA, is it required for this project?

If Asbestos abatement is required, follow standard protocol and procedures.

a. Not required

b. Not required

c. Not required

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56. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 373, 1.5.B – Firestopping – installer must be approved by FM Global or Evaluated by UL with certificate to provide to VA prior to install. This has never been a requirement in the past. Is it a requirement for this project?

Bid as shown.

57. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 373, C – GC must hire a Firestopping inspector to approve the firestopping. This has never been a requirement at the VA in the past. Will this be a requirement for this project?

No. VA Safety and Fire Personnel will approve firestopping work

58. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 The following spec sections state certain submittals and as-builts be provided in AutoCAD. Page 613, 1.4.A.6.a – Final As-built drawings for Fire Sprinkler done in AUTOCAD and pdf.

Page 709, 1.6.C As-builts for Plumbing done in most recent version of AUTOCAD.

Page 725, 1.7.C.1 – As-builts for HVAC done in most recent version of AUTOCAD.

Page 938, 1.4.B.2 – Submittal drawings of indoor ac units must be in AUTOCAD.

Page 1031, 1.4.B.2 – Submittal drawings of fire alarm system must be in AUTOCAD 2017.

Page 1032 states as-builts submitted in AUTOCAD 2017 also.

a. Are as-builts drawn in AUTOCAD a requirement for closing out this project?

Yes, As-Builts (Record) drawings shall be in AutoCAD format at close-out of project. All red-line sets and Record drawings are required at end of project.

59. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 814, 1.8 – DDCS Training conducted in phases and videotaped. Is the videotaping a requirement for this project?

PowerPoint presentation is acceptable in lieu of videotaping.

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60. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Please provide specs/part numbers for the temporary cables and connectors mentioned in Keyed note #1 on sheet ES200.

Specs in pre-bid addendum

61. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Please refer to the electrical diagram on Plan Page ES200. Please provide locations for the following items:

a. Automatic Transfer Switch

b. 800 KW 480V Generator with 96 hour diesel fuel tank

c. 480V Temp Panel

d. 75 KVA Transformer

e. 208V Temp Panel

Specs in pre-bid addendum

62. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Key Note 1 on ES200 states 480V feeds to trailers with steris provided shoreline cable. Will the VA please Confirm Steris is providing and knows the distance to provide, at no additional cost to the contractor, the 480V cable from the two trailers to the new disconnect?

Specs in pre-bid addendum

63. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Refer to Page ES200. We are being told by Cummins that there are some EPA regulations that do not allow a generator and fuel tank of this size to be trailer mounted.

There are no specifications or details as to this trailer other than a note in the electrical diagram on ES200.

a. Will the VA please elaborate on the intent and all applicable details for the generator?

b. If not trailer mounted, will the contractor be required to design and build (i.e. design build) their own temporary concrete mounting pad?

Specs in pre-bid addendum

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64. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 On Plan Page ES200, Is the intent to cut asphalt and install underground conduits from the pad mount (Entergy) transformer to the ATS?

No cutting of the asphalt is permissible.

65. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 How is the contractor supposed to penetrate the retaining wall?

a. Up and over the wall? i. If up and over the wall what sort of vandalism, theft, and protection measures does the VA want the contractor to put into place?

b. Bore or dig underground below the retaining wall?

c. If underground how deep is the footing for that wall?

The contractor will not penetrate the retaining wall.

Secondary power feed from the transformer shall be up and over the wall.

66. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 On Plan Page ES200, the 208V Temp Panel schedule shows a 3P60A Breaker for Outdoor Heat Pump #2.

Where is this located and how does the VA want us to penetrate through the building?

Specs in pre-bid addendum

67. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Who is responsible for paying the Entergy bill after the electrical contractor ties into the Entergy provided transformer?

a. Does the VA have an estimated monthly electrical expense budget the current SPS uses so that the contractor can budget accordingly?

b. Since there is no way for the contractor to estimate the monthly electrical usage, will the VA please consider picking up the cost of the monthly electrical usage from the new pad mounted transformer?

c. Is the VA or the contractor responsible for coordinating with Entergy (the power company) to setup service and provide account maintenance.

Refer to Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.17.

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68. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Will the secondary conductors from the pad mount transformer be the contractor’s responsibility or the VA’s responsibility?

Both conduit from transformer stub-outs and secondary conductors are contractor responsibility.

Specs in first pre-bid addendum.

69. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Plans Page AE601, door schedule, remarks column, has acronyms (CFR01, CSDE1, CSPE1, JANC2, TNPG1, CSSS1, SRS05, CSIA1, CSSP1, CSAR1, CSCQ1) that aren’t correlating to any lettering on the legend below it, on GI004, nor any of the door specifications.

a. Will the VA please correct the door and window legend to include these remarks?

b. Will the VA please add these remarks in the specifications describing them and their considerations?

For function area (FA) and room codes, refer to sheet GI005.

70. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Plans Page AE601, door schedule, fire rating column depicts 20 minute fire rated doors on some of the hollow metal doors and no fire rating on all but two wood doors.

It’s not common to see doors without a fire rating. Will the VA please confirm the following:

a. No Doors shall have a minimum of a 1 hour fire rating?

b. That the fire rating column for the door schedule is correct?

c. The rating for GE-107C states TBD. What specifically is the fire rating for GE-107C?

Revised sheet will be provided in addendum.

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71. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

Plans page IN101, room finish schedule, calls for RES- 01 on the walls in six rooms. The specifications include a 09 96 59 RES-W2 which is an epoxy system specifically for walls.

a. Does the VA want the system as described in 09 96 59 (RES-W2) on the walls where RES-01 is identified?

b. Does the VA want RES-W2 on all of the walls where GYP/E-PT is identified on the room finish schedule?

Replace references to RES-01 on walls to RES-W2.

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72. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The resinous flooring system called out in the specs is RES-03 which is a trowel grade quartz system and extremely expensive. The finish legend calls out RES-01 for 100% of the floors and walls. RES-01 is a double broadcast flake floor which is indicative of what is there now and is more appropriate for the nature of the work being performed in the facility. RES-01 is the standard epoxy floor for the VA and is the standard system that you will find in the majority of the VA hospital. Will the VA please clarify the following:

a. Does the VA want a RES-01 double broadcast, six layer flake floor per the finish legend on IN101? If so, this would consist of a moisture mitigating primer, two tinted body coats with flake broadcast, two receiver coats, and one UV and chemical resistant top coat. i. If RES-1, will the VA please provide the proper specification for the RES-01 system to include the number of layers of primer coat, body coat, top coat, etc..

b. A urethane based decorative troweled Quartz is less durable as it has fewer layers of wear protection. It’s unnecessary for this type of environment. It will cost twice as much as a decorative flake system while providing less wear protection and durability. Does the VA want a RES-3 trowel grade quartz system on the floors as specified in 09 67 23.30?

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73. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specifications page 09 67 23.30-8 para 2.1.C.2.d for the RES-3 flooring system calls for 12% recycled glass mixed in the quartz. This addition of recycled glass in the Quartz is specific to Stonehard systems only and is not necessary. 100% trowel grade quartz is more than acceptable for this application. Adding glass makes the price increase substantially. Forcing a 12% recycled glass content creates an unfair competitive advantage for Stonhard since they’re the only manufacturer that offers that as part of a standard system package. Will the VA allow the contractor to utilize 100% trowel grade quartz to prevent the unfair competitive advantage?

Bid as shown.

74. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specification 09 67 23 para 1.7B calls for a joint and severally binding warranty. This is not common nor is it possible to obtain between most epoxy manufacturers and independent contractors/installers. Except for Stonhard, no other manufacturer has dedicated installers therefore these types of warranties are usually independent of each other. It’s more common for the manufacturer to provide their warranty and the installer to provide a separate warranty. Accepting two warranties allows free and open competition. Forcing a severally binding warranty creates an unfair competitive advantage for Stonehard. Since the government frowns upon unfair competitive advantages, will the VA accept two warranties, one from the installer and one from the manufacturer?

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75. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 AE4-8 Details B1 and d3 show 9 double lockers in each room for a total of 18 double lockers. There are no specifications for the lockers. a. Will the VA please provide specifications for the lockers?

b. Will the VA allow lockers without a percentage of recycled metals to be used?

Specification will be provided in addendum.

76. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 On plan pages AE405 through AE409 in the Equipment Schedules, there are items that are marked for the contractor to provide and install that are not found in the plans and there are no specifications. The items are as follows: Casework CT050.3 36”x24” SS countertop, Conference Chair F0220, Credenza F0601, Folding Table F0765, Food Service Cook Sink K6300.

a. Are these items required in this project?

b. If so, then please provide locations, numbers, and specifications.

Refer to sheet QH403 for equipment, and Acquisition assignment.

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77. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 On plan pages AE405 through AE409 in the Equipment Schedules, there are items that are marked for the contractor to provide and install that are found on the plans and show locations but have no specifications. Item U0064 Cabinet has no specs unless it is part of the manufactured metal casework specifications. Will the VA Please provide the specifications for the following items: A1030 Lockers, F3200 10” wall clock and U0064 cabinet?

Specification will be provided in addendum.

78. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs 01 00 00-3 PDF Page 18, 1.3.A.7 states to account for Allowances of $6,000 for Landscaping and $65,000 for Water Heater support for Sterilization Trailers. Does the VA want the contractor to cost load these items into their proposal or break them out as separate from their bid?

Provide within the proposals but be prepared to show breakouts of all requirements after the contract is awarded if required.

79. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 18, 1.3.A.8 – states that this is a Phased Job. Phase 1 is 5B area and 4B above ceiling. Phase 2 is the SPS area on Ground Floor.

a. Does the VA want the contractor to remodel 5B while simultaneously building the catwalk and placing the Steris trailers in the parking lot?

b. Can the contractor do both site prep for the trailers while working in 5B?

The catwalk cannot be built before the trailers arrive on site per STERIS.

Contractor is responsible for writing their own construction plan and submitting to the COR for approval.

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80. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs Page 21, 1.6.I – States that 7’ high Construction Fencing is required. Does the VA require vehicle service gates to be installed or walk gates only?

General Contractor will determine which type of gates are required to perform their tasks during construction.

81. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs Page 01 00 00 -20 (pdf page 35) – Notes 3-6 – States Contractor is responsible for replacement of elevator parts if excessive wear is noted or caused by the contractor’s use. Will the VA please confirm if in fact the contractor is to be liable for replacing elevator parts, which elevators, and what parts?

Contractor will be held responsible, if during their use of the existing elevator, their personnel (GCs, sub-contractors) damage(s) the elevator and that damage(s) causes the elevator to malfunction then the GC shall be required to repair the damage(s)

82. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 36 – Will the VA confirm if the contractor is required to provide temporary Heat in the event that the outside ambient temperatures fall below freezing levels (as they did last month) and the interior falls below 40 degrees? a. What are the temperature ratings of the existing fire suppression system in the affected area?

The fire suppression system has standard quick response heads. The GC is responsible for maintaining temperature in the workspace as required by Section 01 00 00, para 1.6, sub-para J.

83. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs PDF Page 83, 4.A.7 – States that shoe covers must be worn inside the construction site and thrown away when worker’s exit. Re-entering requires a new shoe cover. Since the existing area will no longer be sterile once under construction, will the VA still want the workers to wear shoe covers while working inside the facility?

Shoe covers are not required in construction area but sticky mats are required at all access points entering/exiting construction area.

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84. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs PDF Page 84, 1.12.C.2.e – Please confirm if the contractor is to have a single door anteroom or double door entrance for construction areas?

Determination to be made by VA ICRA personnel/

COR.

85. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs Page 84, 1.12.D – State that temp Barriers require fire retardant poly and temp doors must be wood solid-core and fire rated. 5. Exhaust hoses for neg air machines must be heavy duty, steel reinforced. 8. Portable ceiling access module required for accessing above ceiling outside of construction sites. Will the VA confirm if this applies to all ICRA levels or a particular ICRA level?

Products in this paragraph are common to all ICRA levels. Bid as shown.

86. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs PDF Page 87, J.1 – states that If construction occurs near an outside air intake for the building, we must put HEPA filters in it prior to venting outside. Will the VA please define “near” in linear feet?

Depending on where the equipment is setup, a 20 ft rule will govern on if filters are required.

87. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs PDF Page 88, 1.14.D.1 – States that Temp walls go to the deck. Will the VA please confirm if this is the case for all temp walls or only 1 hour fire rated temp walls?

Smoke-tight separations are required by this paragraph. Bid as shown.

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88. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs PDF Page 187, 1.2.A – States that the Commissioning Agent is Retained by VA. The Chart on page 199 shows to commission MEP trades so MEP trades need to budget for commissioning support. Which is the accurate statement, the VA is funding the commissioning support or the contractor is accounting for the commissioning support in their bid?

Commissioning has already been awarded by the VA. The MEP contractor will already have in their proposal start-up, training, and corrective actions during the start-up phase for the equipment. That support will be already in place while the Commissioning Agent will be performing their tasks.

89. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs Page 325, 3.4.A – Concrete must cure for 6 weeks before epoxy can be applied or it can be sealed as outlined in Section B to apply epoxy sooner. The details regarding this in the construction drawings are non-existent. a. Please confirm if there are any new trench pits being installed?

b. If so, are they receiving epoxy on all of the surfaces?

See note D54 on sheet AD101 for trenching locations. Detail will be provided in addendum.

90. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 350, E.2 – States that the Masonry Cleaner cannot apply acid-based cleaners. What type of cleaner(s) does the VA allow in the facility?

Any VA approved cleaner will be sufficient.

91. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 PDF Page 742 para 3.7, HVAC General Requirements, Cleaning and Painting. the plant facilities, equipment and systems shall be thoroughly cleaned and painted. This spec is vague and ambiguous. a. Exactly what HVAC systems are the VA wanting to be painted?

Engineer will review design intent and revise in first pre-bid addendum.

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92. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 SPECS PDF Page 767, will the VA please confirm that TAB is to be contracted directly under GC and not to be confused with any commissioning that the VA might be paying for?

The Testing and Balance (TAB) contractor shall be hired by the GC.

93. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Page 808, 1.4 DDCS Quality Assurance – States that the Control’s contractor must provide a list of no less than 5 projects in full operation and closed out of similar size and scope. They must have a facility within 50 miles of the VA with technical staff, and spare parts for the system for up to 5 years. They must have 3 years’ experience in designing systems and provide a project manager for the project to attend meetings. This requirement Sounds like this is a design/build type situation for the DDCS for this project. Does the VA want the contractor to submit this past performance information with their technical proposal portion of the bid packet?

Volume I including all non-price factors (Understanding of Project requirements and Past Performance) shall not exceed a total of TWENTY- FIVE (25) pages.

94. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Can the contractor substitute a past performance report with a CPARS report?

Yes

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95. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs Page 08 71 00-18 para 2.24 shows a Base Metal finish chart with three different options. Nowhere in the hardware group nor the finish schedule does it show which base metal finish option to pick. Para 2.23C gives options between two finishes but doesn’t pick one in particular leaving the contractor to select a 652 or a 630.

There is a price difference between the two.

a. Which finish option does the VA want on the interior doors?

b. Will the VA please clarify their finish requirement per door or label them all one finish?

Paragraph 2.23.D states “Hardware Finishes for Existing Buildings: U.S. Standard finishes shall match finishes of hardware in (similar) existing spaces.”

96. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs 08-71-00 do not include a Hardware Group 2, SH- 10, or SH-10A.

a. Will the VA please add these groups to the spec?

Will revise in addendum.

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97. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Specs page 08-71-00-21 have INTERIOR SINGLE DOORS bolded. Under that it identifies hardware groups 4J and 5D. Below that on page 08-71-00-22 it states that “EACH PAIR TO HAVE” (this verbiage is indicative of double doors) shall have 11B & 10B. The door schedule on Plans Page AE601 shows multiple INTERIOR SINGLE DOORS having Hardware Groups 10B, 11B, and SH-10 which according to the hardware schedule in the spec are for double doors.

a. Will the VA please clarify if the interior single doors are to receive the hardware set per the door schedule on AE601 or hardware group 4J or 5D per the specifications?

b. If Hardware Group 4J or 5D will the VA please clarify which by revising the door schedule?

Revision will be provided in addendum.

98. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Neither the door specifications nor the pass-through window specifications contain anything regarding the door lites. Will the VA please add a specification regarding glazing that pertains to the door lites?

The Remarks column indicates the glazing type i.e.

for opening GE-111, vision panel-T is specified and the legend indicates T as tempered glazing.

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99. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The architectural demolition notes on AD101 & AD111 show to demo concrete (Note D54) in many places along the layout. The note states to coordinate trenching with MEP notes. There aren’t any details on how deep the contractor is to demo or what’s happening after the concrete is removed. The MEP notes don’t detail the depth of the pipes to be buried.

a. How deep below grade will the new pipes need to be installed?

b. Will the VA please provide architectural, structural, and MEP As-Builts that will assist the contractor in determining the depth of the existing concrete and any existing pipes in the vicinity of the concrete cutting requirement?

c. The specs on page 03 30 00-13 Table 1 call for 5,000 PSI at 30 days. Other than table 1, there are no other details for concrete in the plans or specs. i. Is this the weight and grade that the VA wants for infill in the SPS room?

ii. What grade of concrete is to be used for housekeeping pads?

iii. Will the VA consider a lighter weighted grade on the 3rd floor mx room?

d. Are there any trenches that are to be left exposed, notched, and grated with steel grating? i. If so, will the VA please identify what gets infilled and what gets left open?

A. Sanitary sewer shall be a minimum of 2 ‘-6” below grade. Refer to existing as-built drawings for the available information on current depths.

Detail will be provided in addendum.

B. Contractor will need to field verify.

C. Detail will be provided in addendum.

II. Detail will be provided in addendum.

III. Detail will be provided in addendum.

D. No.

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100. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Demo note D42 on AD111 states to reinstall the demo’d lights but the lighting schedule on the electrical pages state to buy new lights.

a. Will the VA please clarify what and how the old lights will be repurposed?

b. Will the VA please clarify if the old lights are to be reinstalled or if new lights are to be installed?

The design intent is that all light fixtures will be reinstalled. Refer to electrical sheet in addendum.

101. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Demo note D51 on AD111 states that existing censitrac systems are to be removed by VA/ VA censitrac vendor.

Will the VA please clarify the following:

a. is the contractor responsible for coordinating and budgeting the censitrac vendor?

b. Is the VA responsible for funding the censitrac vendor’s time and material expenses for removal and reinstallation?

c. Will the VA please provide the name and contact number of their censitrac vendor that services their systems?

VA will be having this work performed.

a. No

b. Yes

c. Not required. Work will be performed before renovation starts.

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102. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Demo note D50 & D44 on AD111 states that existing RTLS systems are to be removed by VA/ VA RTLS vendor. Will the VA please clarify the following:

a. is the contractor responsible for coordinating and budgeting the RTLS vendor?

b. Is the VA responsible for funding the RTLS vendor’s time and material expenses for removal and reinstallation?

c. Will the VA please provide the name and contact number of their RTLS vendor that services their systems?

VA will be having this work performed.

d. No

e. Yes

Not required. Work will be performed before renovation starts.

103. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 Demo note D45 on AD111 states that existing CENTRAK systems are to be prior to demo. Will the VA please clarify the following:

a. is the contractor responsible for coordinating and budgeting the CENTRAK vendor?

b. Is the VA responsible for funding the CENTRAK vendor’s time and material expenses for removal and reinstallation?

c. Will the VA please provide the name and contact number of their CENTRAK vendor that services their systems?

VA will be having this work performed.

f. No

g. Yes

Not required. Work will be performed before renovation starts.

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104. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

Demo note D10 on AD101 states to remove existing SPS equipment in various locations. The title of the project is Correct Discrepancies/Install Sterilizers. Nowhere in the mechanical plans, plumbing plans, schedules, specifications, solicitation, statement of work, or written narratives does is state that the contractor(s) are to replace the SPS equipment (i.e. Sterilizers or Cart Washers) with new equipment nor does it state to reinstall the existing.

a. What is the VA’s plan as far as replacing the equipment?

b. If the equipment is being replaced with new, will the VA please specify exactly what they want? i. Please include model numbers, manufacturers, and provide a Justification and Approval (J&A) for a standardized manufacturer such as Steris..

Bid as shown.

Manufacturers will coordinate with the General Contractor on installation of the specialized equipment to ensure proper placement. General Contractor will provide utility connections under manufacturers guidance.

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105. 4/2/21 4/30/2021

The site visit revealed dozens of pieces of equipment in the vicinity of the D10 locations. The COR was not allowed to answer ANY questions during the walk-through pertaining to exactly what was being removed.

This created a lot of ambiguity and concern amongst all of the contractors. The COR stated to RFI everything and everything would be answered through the RFI process.

a. Demo note 10 is very vague. Will the VA please specify exactly what pieces of equipment are being removed under demo note D10?

b. Will the VA please take photographs of each piece of equipment being removed per D10 so the contractors can effectively price the demo?

c. What equipment, if anything, does the contractor need to store for future use?

d. Will the VA provide storage or will the contractor need to provide storage in their budget?

e. Does the VA want any of the existing washers and sterilizers to be removed?

f. If cart washers and sterilizers are not to be removed, should the contractor demo around them and protect during construction?

Bid As shown.

Manufacturers will coordinate with the General Contractor on installation of the specialized equipment to ensure proper placement. General Contractor will provide utility connections under manufacturers guidance.

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106. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 AD101, grid line N, there are several D7 notes pointing to stainless steel partition walls. D7 is a furring wall, indicative of a metal stud wall with gypsum board.

Nowhere in the schedules, plans, drawings, specifications, or narratives, does it state to replace the stainless steel modular wall panels with new stainless steel panels or to reinstall with existing. It is customary in this environment for new construction walls adjacent to cart washers and sterilizers to be stainless wall panels.

a. Does the VA want these stainless panels to be removed by the contractor?

b. Does the VA want these stainless panels to be reinstalled or replaced with new?

A. yes.

B. There will be no walls with stainless steel. Plans will be revised to show full height of resinous on equipment walls. Other walls to remain at 4’-10”.

Refer to revision in addendum.

107. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 The finish schedule on IN101 shows all gypsum board in all rooms, but stainless is more common around sterilizers and cart washers as it is currently designed. a.

Will the VA please clarify if they want any new stainless steel wall panels in any area of the new construction?

b. If SS panels are to be used, will the VA please provide a specification and written detail on this?

See response above.

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108. 4/2/21 4/30/2021 The existing facility has corner guards at every outside 90 degree wall corner. There are no corner guard details or notes on any of the drawings, plans, schedules, or specifications.

a.…