Technical Questions - FINAL - Tomah 2-14-22.pdf

Solicitation # 36C77622B0010 EHRM Training and Administrative Support Space - Tomah Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

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1. 1-20-22 1-20-22 Is this project tax-exempt? If yes, please issue the Tax Exemption number for bidding purposes. If not, what is the percentage of tax?

No, this is not exempt of sales tax. Contractors are required to pay sales and excise tax. Offerors shall include all applicable taxes in accordance with FAR by Reference Clause 52.229-3 “Federal, State and Local Taxes.” Percentage of tax information is the responsibility of the offeror.

2. 1-20-22 2-4-22 Reference Spec Section 013526 Safety Requirements,

1.7 Site Safety and Health Officer.

Question: the referenced spec section requires a SSHO, a separate individual from the GC superintendent and the Quality Control Manager, to be on-site at all times during construction. Please confirm that the SSHO role cannot be filled by the GC Supt.

With the complexity of this project VA is requesting a separate SSHO for this project.

3. 1-21-22 2-4-22 I have a question on the fire alarm vendor. Can you provide the existing fire alarm vendor company for this building?

Nate Kirch / Commercial Systems Sales ICET #133715 - Fire Alarm Systems Cell: 608-354- 8486 / E. nate@jksecurity.com J&K Security solutions of Madison

4. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Reference 01 35 26 1.8.B: All designated Competent Person(s) shall have completed OSHA 30 hour construction within the past 3 years. Historically it has been 5 years? Clarify if 3 or 5 years?

Three years is the correct time frame.

5. 1-24-22 2-10-22 There is no commissioning specification listed in any division of the documents issued for bidding. Is commissioning required? If so, please provide the scope of work requirements and advise if the commissioning agent is VA provided or contractor provided.

Commissioning of all mechanical and communication equipment/systems will be performed. Specification 23 08 00 & 27 08 00 has been added to the specification package and the documents outline the requirements. Cx agent will be VA provided. Reference attachment titled “Addendum 1” for updates.

mailto:nate@jksecurity.com

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6. 1-24-22 2-10-22 Commissioning is referenced in the specifications.

Section 01 91 00 which is not included in bidding documents at this time. Please provide specification section 01 91 00 or remove the reference from the project documents.

Commissioning of all mechanical and communication equipment/systems will be performed. Specification 23 08 00 & 27 08 00 has been added to the specification package and the documents outline the requirements. Cx agent will be VA provided. Reference attachment titled “Addendum 1” for updates.

7. 1-24-22 2-10-22 Specifications refer to Commissioning references a VA appointed commissioning agent. Please advise if the VA is hiring the commissioning agent for the Division 21, 22, and 23 work items. Is the commissioning agent and all associated costs for commissioning being supplied by the VA?

Commissioning of all mechanical and communication equipment/systems will be performed. Specification 23 08 00 & 27 08 00 has been added to the specification package and the documents outline the requirements. Cx agent will be VA provided. Reference attachment titled “Addendum 1” for updates.

8. 1-24-22 2-4-22 What work needs to be accomplished on non-1st shift working conditions?

Any in wall or above ceiling construction work on first and second floors. Work requiring steam outages, electrical outages, water outages, and communication outages may also require off normal working hours.

9. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Please clarify the duct pressure construction requirements (spec section 23 31 00, page 4, paragraph 2.2) for each ductwork system.

This specification requirement indicates regardless of SMACNA construction requirements that all duct work shall be constructed and sealed to a 2” pressure classification minimum. IE duct work down stream of a VAV shall be constructed and sealed to a 2” pressure classification.

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10. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Clarification of the ductwork cleaning requirements is required. See Specification Section 23 31 00, page 11, paragraph 3.1, I. Are we only required to clean the connection of new to existing? If not what are the scope requirements for cleaning, When answering please assume the open ends of new ductwork will be covered with plastic during the construction period.

Only existing HVAC system to remain is in the mechanical space (room Number) that is to remain in operation during construction. All systems for space are new and if VA personal find enough dust/dirt that creates a visible area when wiped in newly installed systems contractor will be responsible to clean complete system.

11. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Per section 01 32 16.15, is the contractor required to hire a scheduling consultant?

From the specifications, The Contractor’s representative shall have the option of developing the project schedule within their organization or to engage the services of an outside consultant. It is up to you if you would like to hire out.

12. 1-24-22 2-4-22 In section 01 00 00 1.12.C, referring to delivering two electronic copies of complete As Builts after each completed phase. This also applies to shop drawings. If electronic, does the VA require two?

Only electronic scanned copies are needed for the project and hard copied redlined set.

13. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Per section 01 00 00.1.19.B, Does the VA require four hard copies of the completed O&M? Do the manuals require delivery when the equipment arrives or at substantial completion?

The VA would like to have 2 hard copies of the completed O&M’s.

14. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will crane picks for the rigging of HVAC equipment and materials be restricted to federal holidays and weekends?

Please follow crane operation requirements outlined in the specifications.

15. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Reference 01 35 26.1.13, is Tuberculosis Screening required on this project?

Yes, still required.

16. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Reference 01 81 13, is sustainable construction required on this project?

Yes

17. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is a submittal log/register required for submission by the contractor for this project? Reference 01 33 23 1.3.C, the VA provides the initial submittal register.

Contractor is responsible see 01 33 23 pg. 9 for maintaining & updating the submittal register.

18. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is a submittal service like “Submittal Exchange” to be used for this project? If so, who is to bear the cost of the service?

Contractor is required to provided “submittal exchange” services for the duration of the construction spec section 01 00 00

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19. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Reference 09 91 00 Painting, are sample panels required or will draw down samples suffice?

Draw downs samples are ok for the VA.

20. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is there is a preferred water treatment vendor for the chemicals specified in specification section 23 25 00?

The VA does not have a preferred vendor.

21. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Has the VA tested the ductwork and mechanical systems scheduled for demolition or relocation for bio-hazards.

If the ductwork or equipment are contaminated, remediation will be required, and due to insurance protocol we cannot subcontract for the remediation.

The space has been unoccupied by staff or patients for over 5 years and no known biohazards in space.

22. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Specification Section 23 31 00, page 11 item “K”. Please clarify the expectations of ductwork cleaning. How far back do we clean when connecting new ductwork to existing. It would seem unreasonable to clean all the way back to the existing exhaust fan or air handling unit.

If new ductwork is installed contractor must clean to nearest junction point. If additional cleaning is needed further discussion between COR, contractor, and CO.

23. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Specification Section 23 31 00, duct cleaning. During construction we have will the ends of all new ductwork wrapped in plastic to protect the integrity of the ductwork. Plastic will be removed just prior to system start up. Will machine cleaning of protected ductwork be a requirement of the project

If VA personal find enough dust/dirt that creates a visible area when wiped in newly installed systems contractor will be responsible to clean complete system.

24. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Specification Section 23 31 00, page 11 and 12, items “B” thru “H”, will leak testing be required on ductwork down stream of air terminal units?

No

25. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Please clarify the scope of work associated with duct testing as there is minimal supply air ductwork. Please be specific what the VA needs tested. Is the contractor required to clean all ducts including existing ductwork?

All main trunks and branches leading up to VAV’s. Please see response to question 23.

26. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Can all work be done during normal daytime work shifts?

Please see response to question number 8.

27. 1-24-22 2-4-22 What percent of SDVOSB labor is required? Reference VAAR Clauses 852.219-10 and 852.219-77 for the answer to your question.

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28. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is the Third Party Fire Penetration inspector hired by contractor or the VA?

Contractor

29. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will flexible conduit be allowed in areas where ridged would be difficult to install? (i.e. built-in millwork at nurses station)

No

30. 1-24-22 2-4-22 The project is listed to have a performance period of 240 days after the NTP. Current lead times on HVAC Units and potentially the windows will not allow enough time to complete the project. Can the performance period be lengthened to allow for extended lead times of 6 months for HVAC units and 4-6 months for windows? These lead time would not start until approved submittals are returned from the VA. Can to Performance period be adjusted to add 70-84 more days to it?

Yes, it can be adjusted to meet the excessive lead times of equipment.

31. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles? If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control role? What about the SSHO role?

No

32. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will the VA allow use of Edge Guard ICRA panels in lieu of the hard wall panels shown in the drawings?

Yes

33. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Does the VA anticipate this project will require off hours work? If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off hours work?

Yes, see above question 8.

34. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is 6’ driven post temp fencing acceptable in lieu of the fencing shown on plans?

No

35. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will VA IT remove the IT related ceiling mounted items and be responsible for their reinstallation?

36. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Who is the build control system vendor? Nothing is currently on the floor.

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37. 1-24-22 2-4-22 General Note 2 on page H103 states that there may be additional testing required for untested/potentially ACM near the scope of work and that the results will be shared prior to disruption of the space. Is the intention that the VA will provide this testing and the contractor will price the abatement after award of the contract?

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38. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Please confirm that according to the VAAR 852.243-70

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT CHANGES—

SUPPLEMENT (SEP 2019), paragraph (c)(1) (referenced below) that no General Conditions such as on-site superintendent, or any other full time on-site personnel will be an allowable cost in a modification to the contract even if days are added to the total period of performance for any additional unforeseen changes to the contract? To clarify, any changes to the contract that are sent out in a modification will not allow any costs for General Conditions as stated below in paragraph (c)(1).

(c)(1) Overhead and Contractor's fee percentages shall be considered to include insurance other than mentioned herein, field and office supervisors and assistants, security police, use of small tools, incidental job burdens, and general home office expenses and no separate allowance will be made. Assistants to office supervisors include all clerical, stenographic and general office help.

Incidental job burdens include, but are not necessarily limited to, office equipment and supplies, temporary toilets, telephone and conformance to OSHA requirements. Items such as, but not necessarily limited to, review and coordination, estimating and expediting relative to contract changes are associated with field and office supervision and are considered to be included in the Contractor's overhead and/or fee percentage.

The question that you provided is a hypothetical question. Any potential modification/change order scenarios will be reviewed and addressed by the assigned PCAC Post Award Contracting Officer.

We cannot provide a definitive answer at this stage of the procurement.

39. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is a complete asbestos survey available of the space? Reference Attachment A in Specifications Volume 1 for asbestos report.

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40. 1-24-22 2-4-22 General Note 6 on page AS101 states that the contractor is to place steel road plates over existing underground passages and utility tunnels for all equipment exceeding 50,000# Load. What is the width of the width of these utility tunnels, and can a detail be provided for the steel plate specification requirements?

This is general note if excavation if found to be needed by contractor during project.

41. 1-24-22 2-4-22 General Note 14 on page A100 states that the contractor is to provide unit pricing for the new metal flange install at the opening edges of the replacement radiator enclosures, however this line item is not included in the bid price schedule. Please advise.

Assume all metal flanges at base board heaters are to be replaced during construction. Pricing shall be included in the base bid.

42. 1-24-22 2-4-22 1.19 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS

– Is the Contractor allowed to use the existing elevators?

01 00 00 – pg. 22, 1.19.A Contractor shall not use existing elevator.

43. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will onsite parking be available? 01 00 00 1.5.F, A limited number of (2 to 5) permits shall be issued for General Contractor and its employees for parking in designated areas only.

44. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Will an onsite area be available for an Office Trailer? No, a part of 407 3rd floor will be used for this.

45. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Is Submittal Exchange a requirement for this project? Yes

46. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Can the General Contractors’ Site Superintendent also serve as Safety and Health Manager and CQC System Manager, concurrently? If so, please confirm which combination is acceptable.

No, see response to question 2.

47. 1-24-22 2-4-22 Please confirm that a commercial/third party subcontractor shall be used for the photographic documentation throughout the construction process, and that the prime contractor cannot directly provide photo documentation as indicated in the specification section 01 00 00 – 41 paragraph 1.31.

If the contractor has the qualifications outlined in the spec section, they can substitute for a Commercial/third party photographer.

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48. 1-24-22 2-4-22 G003 Infection Control Note 1 states CONSTRUCTION

AREA PERIMETER SHALL BE SEALED

COMPLETELY WITH MIN 4 MIL POLY AND DUCT

TAPE DURING CLASS II, III, OR IV OPERATIONS.

While note 4 states ALL IC BARRIERS TO BE

CONSTRUCTED AS 1 HOUR FIRE AND SMOKE

RATED BARRIERS. Which barriers are to be build with Stud and drywall to obtain a 1 hour ratings? Or should we assume all barriers are to be built with studs drywall and carry the 1 hour rating?

Bid and plan for hard barriers as detailed in the drawings. If there’s an opportunity to convert soft barriers, then this will be determined during construction.

49. 1-24-22 2-4-22 We respectfully submit for your consideration a request to approve Scranton products as an accepted substitute on Training and Admin Space Renovation (21-863072);

please find substitution request form attached.

Reference attachment titled “Scranton Products Substitution Response” for determination.

50. 2-8-22 2-8-22 EP103 Keynote #6. The keynote says there is a detail on TK003. I do not have a sheet TK003 in the bid documents. Will TK003 be provided for the bid?

Keynote should say “see sheet TG001 detail 1” not TK003.

51. 2-7-22 2-8-22 Openings 3705 and 3706 are asking for Automatic Power Operators and Closers. Please advise which type is wanted.

Must meet specifications 08 71 13.11_3 requirements.

52. 2-7-22 2-8-22 The door schedule states Door 3708 is to be type 88 which does not exist. Please advise.

This should have referenced 08 71 00, Interior Security Door, with fire rated door and frame of 1 hour.

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