RFIs FROM GCs Resp All Disciplines 07 06 22.docx

1. Will contractors be able to get PIV badges for work that will take place in IT rooms or will they need an escort by VA personnel. What hours are the VA willing to provide an escort?

This is still to be determined by the VA administration. At minimum an escort of type suitable to the VA will be provided. A method will be determined to allow access for contractors during standard and off hours shifts.

2. Noise causing activities are called out to take place after hours, after hours is specified as between 5:00 PM and 6:00 AM. There are areas of the hospital that have patients overnight, what floors of this hospital will have limited hours for noise creating work due to residents and what hours will noise creating work be allowed?

Inpatient floors in the hospital are 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Overnight noise will have to be scheduled with the individual departments in those areas.

3. Sheet CU101 has a hashed area marked as contractor stabilized staging area, is this the limit of what area we will be allowed for job trailers, storage trailers, staging area, etc. and will we have this space for the entire duration of the project?

This is the current the limit of outdoor space provided. More space may become available as we get closer to project start.

4. How many parking spaces can be dedicated to contractors for this project above and beyond what falls inside the marked staging area on CU101?

There may be several spaces provided in the VA contracting parking lot but these will be issued as needed and not permanently assigned to the contractor.

5. The traffic management plan notes 2-way traffic with the double arrow symbol, but key note 8 notes that at least 1 way traffic must be allowed during construction. Can this requirement be clarified?

2 way traffic must be allowed.

6. CU101 shows construction fence in a location that it will block off access to the VA loading dock as well as parking Lot A. What duration will the construction fence be allowed to remain in this location?

The construction fence will remain until major structural components of the data center are completed.

7. There are many notes throughout the plans that call for the contractor to verify that existing conditions don’t conflict with the intended design and that all verifications are to be made prior to bid. It is impractical to verify all conditions prior to bidding this project. Please confirm, are bidders to assume that hidden (above ceiling, behind walls, below grade, etc.) existing conditions are suitable for construction as it is depicted in the contract documents and that any differences in the existing conditions are to be communicated to the VA immediately upon discovery throughout the project?

The notes are not requesting or implying any type of additional assumption from the GC then on any other construction project. As indicated in the drawings, it would be difficult for the AE firm to discover all conditions within the limits of work without the ability to perform selective demolition for investigative work. At these moments is when the GC’s experience and knowledge for this type of project that will have to take charge as it estimates the total cost for this project and the complicated task associated with the possibilities for unknown conditions, as the SOW becomes fully understood during demolition. It is not the drawings intent to show every existing condition throughout the entire facility because the execution of such task would not be feasible, cost prohibited, and very difficult to achieve.

8. On sheet CU104 the Century 510 Manhole appears to be shaded indicating that it is existing. Is this an existing manhole that is to be reused on this project?

Yes

9. On sheet CD101 there is a reference to VA Standard Detail 32 12 16-02, 03 and 04, but hose details don’t appear to be included in the documents. Will the VA provide those documents in an amendment?

I believe these references are detailing sections in the project specifications. If that does not contain the required information please clarify.

10. CD101 refers to SD260541-02 but that detail does not appear to be provided in the documents. Will the VA provide this detail in an amendment?

I believe these references are detailing sections in the project specifications. If that does not contain the required information please clarify.

11. On the GTM pages note #13 identifies to pour back with 5” concrete. Sheet CD101 concrete sidewalk details identify a 6” thickness for concrete sidewalks. Will this discrepancy be fixed in an amendment?

Provide 6” thickness for concrete sidewalks

12. Can debris that is generated during demolition activities be disposed of in the VA provided waste dumpsters if it is properly sorted?

Yes

13. EX-3 on sheet S001 requires the contractor to include an allowance in bid to account for structural design changes due to existing site conditions. What dollar value allowance is the contractor to include in the bid for this item?

Assume allowance of 5 tons of miscellaneous structural steel, 10 cubic yards of concrete with reinforcing similar to grade beam reinforcing shown.

14. The specifications state that the CQC System Manager will maintain a presence at the site at all times during progress of the work. Further it states that the CQC System Manager must be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management with a minimum of 2 years construction experience. If work will be occurring in 2 or more shifts will an additional CQC System Manager meeting the specified requirements be required to comply with this spec on a 2nd shift?

The CQC System Manager (who may also be the project Superintendent) must be present on site at all times during construction activity regardless of whether multiple shifts are performed.

15. It appears from the solicitation that the CQC System Manager cannot be the same individual that is the project superintendent. Must these be different individuals?

Specification Section 01 45 00-3.4, B : “The CQC System Manger is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control.”

16. Does the SSHO need to be a separate individual as well or can the SSHO perform other duties such as superintendent?

The Specifications, specifically 01 35 26 do not disallow additional duties for the SSHO; however, the designated SSHO must maintain a continual presence on the project site during all construction activities.

17. Is a NPDES permit required for this project? If yes, who is responsible to generate the SWPPP plan and secure the permit?

Yes a NPDES permit is required for this project. The General Contractor will be responsible to generate the SWPPP plan and secure the permit.

18. Can a geotechnical report be provided for this project?

Response:

19. On sheet S001, note FN-2 states that design values will be field verified by a geotechnical engineer hired by the owner. Has the VA engaged a geotechnical engineer?

Agreed.

20. Can total footage of CAT6A be provided for each building?

No – Architect is not responsible to provide quantity take-offs

21. With all of the work on this project and the required planning and coordination to complete the project on a short period of performance can the bid be pushed back an additional 2 weeks?

The Solicitation due date has been changed to July 21, 2022 at the time of publishing amendment P0002.

22. Given the current construction market and lead-times on certain materials, can the period of performance be extended to greater than 365 days?

The period of performance is set by a higher level committee and can not be changed by the Iowa City VA.

23. On the A400 sheets Demolition Key note #8 states to remove in their entirety all existing wall-mounted items. Coordinate item displacement with the VA. This is very vague and does not adequately portray the level of work required to comply with this note. Can a typical room detail be provided identifying type and quantity of items to be removed? Where are items to be turned over to the VA? These are critical components of determining required manpower.

Drawings already illustrate the most common and typical conditions. Contractor should be able to walk thru every room and identify special conditions. Contractor must be aware that to provide the best possible total cost for this project. Extensive visual investigation is required.

24. On the A400 sheets Demolition Keynote #12 states that the GC is to carefully remove systems furniture and all wall mounted equipment and turn over to VA. Same as previous question, this is vague and does not adequately portray the level of work required in each room. Can more information be provided for the scope of work covered by this keynote?

GC to coordinate with VA all furniture systems and final locations. BAE has responded and illustrated according to the information provided by the VA.

25. On the A400 sheets Floor Plan Keynote #3 states that the existing glazing will require a retrofit anti-shatter film that complies with VA PSRDM Requirements. Can a basis of design be provided for a film that complies with the cited requirements?

VA will Provide.

26. On the A400 sheets the General Note A refers to a limited asbestos and lead-containing paint survey report. Information regarding approximate quantities of hazardous materials can be found in each specification section. Are bidders to assume that all pertinent parts of the report are included in the specification sections and the quantities referenced in each section are the amount we should include in our bid?

Yes. All of the pertinent parts of the report that are required for the abatement are included in the specifications and the quantities referenced in the specification were taken directly from our original report so they should be able to use those quantities for their bids.

27. On the A400 sheets the General Note I reference the 75% submittal. Are we to assume this is a typo and should read “Construction Bid Documents”

Yes – Agreed.

28. On the A400 sheets there appear to be several wall type errors. Some new walls are labeled with a B type, some new walls are not labeled or shaded. Can a final review of wall types be done to clarify some of these discrepancies?

BAE Response: Contractor to provide specific questions so AE team can provide precise responses. Wall types will be reviewed, and any discrepancies noted after detailed questions are presented.

29. On the ET100RP plans Fiber Optic B is shown to be outed up to the 10th floor through the Shaft A East. It is our understanding that that shaft does not have any grating or access from the 4th floor up to the 11th floor. How are raceways for routing Fiber Optic B going to be installed above the 4th floor?

Contractor shall provide access panels in the shaft wall as needed to allow for installation as shown.

30. 1. Sheets labeled drawing number "01-S401.1" - "01-S408" contain shear and moment diagrams for the indicated areas where FRP is to be placed. When taking values from the moment diagram that are labeled in "K-FT" units are the values representing to the total width of the slab or are the values per linear foot of the slab?

Detail 2 is for each joist in the hatched zone Detail 3 is for the specific beam elevated Detail 4 is for the edge beam specifically.

31. 2. Concerning existing flexural reinforcement, is there any additional information or diagrams that can be provided specifically, about building 1. Currently the only apparent information related to existing flexural and sheer reinforcement is found within sheets "02-S201" - "02-S520" for building 2. If this is the only relevant information concerning existing flexural steel reinforcement can these be applied to building 1 as well?

Question is unclear. Existing load and new capacities required for building 1 are shown on the 01-S400 series. Building 2 joist reinforcing shown per detail 3/S011. Spec requirements for strengthening are in section 030 10 30.

32. When setting up to construct the new structure that will support the new data center will we have all of Warehouse 103 inside of our construction site?

The Warehouse will not be operational until major structural components of the data center are completed.

33. On sheet A001 General Note B calls for the GC to not restrict access through corridors. The location of temporary construction enclosures appear to block corridors BCS08 and BCS03. Are bidders to assume the construction barriers will match what is shown on this page despite it blocking these corridors?

Temporary construction barriers may restrict access to hallways but should not completely block access to corridors.

34. On Sheet AD101.1 General Demolition note C calls for the GC to Seal/Firestop all openings in existing smoke and fire rated partitions and fire rated floors that are encountered during demolition including all exposed conduit and piping. Are we to interpret that to mean we will seal all penetrations that we create in existing smoke or fire partitions, or is that to mean that we are to seal all existing penetrations that are found to not be properly sealed? If it is the latter, this note is very broad and does not provide enough information to properly convey the level of work required to meet this requirement. If the latter interpretation is the expectation can the VA provide more information on the amount of sealing that will be required to comply with this note?

Response:

Intent of the note is that the GC shall seal all penetrations created in existing and/or new smoke or fire partitions. Existing penetrations within these walls are assumed to be correctly firestopped.

35. On Sheet AD102.1 Demolition Plan Keynote #3 states that new roofing is to match existing and after construction the GC is to comply with mfrs. Requirement for preserving the existing warranty. Can the manufacturer of the current roof be provided?

Firestone is the roof manufacturer. Roof warranty is for 15 years starting 4/7/17.

36. On the A100 sheets Architectural General Note G states that the design for anchorage and support of all equipment shall be designated and installed by the contractor as a deferred design item. This is a very vague note, can “equipment” be further defined or identified to be more specific to the items that the design team is expecting to see structural calculations and analysis for?

CG needs to be specific to which equipment needs further clarification. The note says all equipment, that is very specific. All equipment means - all equipment removed and relocated, new equipment or any equipment affected as demolition discovers new conditions requiring additional relocation and anchoring. The notes are broad in its meaning because the scope is large and difficult to itemized as it responds to the general BOD and SOW. GC must be specific on all its question so AE can provide specific answers to specific questions.

37. Section 04 20 00 Unit Masonry identifies a submittal of Delegated Design Drawings and Calculations. This is an unusual requirement; can the design team please clarify what they are looking for with the calculations for unit masonry?

Response:

Specification will be provided.

38. Section 08 11 13 1.4.G.1 states that it is the responsibility of the Blast Consultant to obtain the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Data Standard Data Definitions from the VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management and that any delays or increased costs due to failure to obtain this information will be borne by the contractor. This is an unreasonable standard to meet, we have no control over the timeliness of their response. Can this language be changed to any delays or increased costs due to failure to request this information in a proper and timely manner will be borne by the contractor?

Response:

The specification language indicated by the bidder cannot be modified as requested. The referenced language regarding potential delays and costs associated with obtaining the “Physical Security and Resiliency Design Standards Data Definitions” document is directly from the VA PG-18-1 Master Construction Specifications

39. Section 08 56 53 1.5.F contains the same language as above. Can the language in this section be changed as well?

Response:

The specification language indicated by the bidder cannot be modified as requested. The referenced language regarding potential delays and costs associated with obtaining the “Physical Security and Resiliency Design Standards Data Definitions” document is directly from the VA PG-18-1 Master Construction Specifications

40. Section 08 90 00 1.3.E.1 contains the same language as above. Can the language in this section be changed as well?

Response:

The specification language indicated by the bidder cannot be modified as requested. The referenced language regarding potential delays and costs associated with obtaining the “Physical Security and Resiliency Design Standards Data Definitions” document is directly from the VA PG-18-1 Master Construction Specifications

41. The specifications for this project include section 13 05 41 Seismic Restraint Requirements for Non-Structural Components. This section requires design calcs for all such restraints. This section has not been a requirement at this hospital on past projects, is this specification section required on this project at this location?

Response:

Per VA H18-8 since this is seismic design category A, this bracing requirement is not mandated. Calibre is okay if VA wants to waive this spec.

42. From past experience there are several areas of the hospital with very limited space above ceiling. Have the new cable tray pathways been visually verified prior to releasing the bid documents?

Cable pathways shown on the construction documents have been visually verified to the extent reasonably expected of an AE. The GC’s experience and knowledge with this facility will have to take charge as it estimates the total cost for this project and the complicated task associated with the possibilities for unknown conditions and the potential need for adjusting cable pathways. Any pathways that are not feasible shall be brought to the attention of the AE when discovered, along with a suggested alternate path.

43. The lateral bracing notes on the plans call for the anchorage for electrical equipment shall be designed by the contractor as a deferred design item. No reference is made in the specs for deferred design. Is the owner expecting a submittal from the electrical contractor showing the lateral bracing and accompanied by structural calculations from a licensed engineer?

Yes, the Contractor shall provide in accordance with the “Lateral Bracing Notes” included on Sheet E001.

44. The S400 sheets show the areas that are to receive Fiber Reinforced Polymer, however no overall floor drawings were provided for reference to determine the extent of the area that will be affected during the installation of the FRP. Can an overall floor plan be provided for each floor that has RFP work with the approximate areas of FRP work shaded?

See architectural set 01-A400 series for rooms and locations on key plan for each room.

45. Has any investigation been done to verify if the areas to receive FRP have adequate access for such installation?

All spaces requiring FRP will have to be cleared for installation. To execute installation GC and VA shall coordinate to remove, store, and reinstall as required to return space to its existing condition prior to installation.

46. On past projects HVAC control wiring has been run loose and not in conduit. Will this be allowed on this project?

HVAC control wiring shall be in conduit.

47. On the M400 sheets Mechanical Demolition General Note A states that any ductwork that is existing to remain, whether shown or not shown on these drawings, that is crushed or damaged in its current condition or as a result of construction, shall be replaced with new. This is unreasonably vague. Can this note be changed to state that any ductwork that is crushed or irreparably damaged as a result of construction shall be replaced with new?

Note shall read “Any ductwork that is existing to remain within project scope area that is crushed or irreparably damaged in its current condition or as a result of construction shall be replaced with new.”

48. On the M400 sheets Mechanical Demolition General Note D directs the contractor to Clean, Sanitize and Seal all Existing Ductwork that will be reused. Can the extent of this work be better defined, is the ductwork to be cleaned/sanitized all the way back to the air moving equipment serving said duct? With regard to sealing existing ductwork can the bidder assume that existing ductwork is already sealed and we are only responsible for sealing the new connection to the existing ductwork?

Response:

Ductwork shall be cleaned/sanitized back to air moving equipment. Bidder can assume existing ductwork is already sealed. Bidder shall be responsible for sealing new connection to existing ductwork and repairing/replacing any damaged or leaking seals within project scope area.

49. On the M400 Sheets Mechanical General Note F states that the contractor shall repair and/or replace all insulation at existing sheet metal ductwork which becomes damaged during construction activities and shall repair or replace any insulation at new and old duct connections and any missing or damaged insulation on reused or existing ductwork. It is infeasible for the bidder to evaluate the existing condition of all insulation on existing ductwork. Can the note be changed to state that the contractor is to repair or replace any insulation that is damaged during construction?

Response:

Contractor shall repair and/or replace all insulation at existing sheet metal ductwork which becomes damaged during construction activities and shall repair or replace any insulation at new and old duct connections and any missing or damaged insulation on reused or existing ductwork within project scope area.

50. On the M400 Sheets Mechanical General Note G states that the contractor is to rework and reroute existing ductwork and piping to accommodate new cable tray. There is not enough information provided in the plans to allow the bidder to understand the extent of duct and pipe re-routing that will be required to accommodate cable tray routing. What assumption is the bidder to use when including costs for re-routing ductwork and piping to accommodate new cable tray?

BAE Response:

As-built drawings and exact field conditions were not available for all locations designed by BAE. Contractor must field verify extent of duct and pipe re-routing required to accommodate cable tray routing. Coordinate extent of work with electrical drawings showing cable tray routing.

51. On the E400 sheets Key Notes 10 and 11 call for the contractor to verify in field the location of the nearest panelboard for normal and/or critical/emergency power. There is not enough information provided in the bidding documents to properly understand the length of conduit and wire run that will be required to get to the panelboards. Can the location of the panelboards that are to be used be provided in the bid documents?

BAE Response:

No - Contractor shall field verify closest normal and/or critical panelboard in field. Many TR locations were added after the finial site visit.

52. Detail 9 on S503 calls for EPS Geofoam fill below slab, no reference to EPS Geofoam can be found in the specifications. Depending on the density of foam needed for this application the cost can vary dramatically. Can a specification for EPS Geofoam be provided identifying the density requirements?

Response:

Provide EPS 15 for better with min compressive strength at 1% deformation = 15 psi BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference.

53. With the VA issue sales tax exempt forms for this project?

The VA will not issue a tax exempt certificate.

54. Specification section 01 91 00 1.8.C states that the VA will Appoint the commissioning agent for this project. Has that person/company been involved throughout the design process?

The commissioning agent has not been involved in the design process.

55. Wall section 3 on Sheet A501 identifies plastic lumber blocking. This material does not appear to be identified in the specifications, can a specification or basis of design be provided for this material?

BAE Response:

Note on Sheet 02-A501 ff identifies HDPE polymer lumber at all water-exposed locations. BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference

56. Wall sections on Sheet A501 identify Fiberboard Structural Sheathing. This material does not appear to be identified in the specifications, can a specification or basis of design be provided for this material?

Response:

BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference

57. In several roofing details shown on A504 “building wrap” is identified however in the wall sections on A501 and A502 no building wrap is identified. Additionally, there is not a specification section for Air Barrier, which is unusual for new construction at this location. Is there an air barrier or building wrap component to this project and if so can the specifications for that product be provided?

BAE Response:

BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference.

58. There seems to be a discrepancy between the structural wall section 1/S2503 and the wall sections on the A501 and A502. The structural drawings call for HSS5x3x5/16” framing members at 24” OC and 22ga 3N Deck for an approximate thickness of 8”. Architectural wall sections identify the framing members as “HSS Stud, See Structural Drawings”, but the 3N deck is not shown and the total thickness shown on the wall sections for the framing is approximately 5”. Can the differences in these details be reconciled prior to bid so that all bidders know what the construction requirements will be?

BAE Response:

Structural drawings information is correct.

59. Detail 1/S2503 depicts the new structural steel column passing through the new opening in the existing roof with “movement joint all around”. Is this opening between the new column and the existing concrete to be infilled with anything, if yes, what materials is to be used?

BAE Response:

See specification file attached.

60. On A301 keynote 17 calls for the contractor to infill the cavity with insulation. Can further information be provided identifying the type of insulation that is required in this application?

BAE Response:

Infill shall be comprised of Geofoam Insulation. BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference.

61. The architectural drawings make reference to a vinyl containment system, but there does not seem to be a specification section for this system. Can a specification section be provided for this system?

BAE Response:

BAE will provide added Specification Section under separate cover – applicable product data is attached for reference.

62. Will periodic payment applications on this project be made via AIA payment application and schedule of values or will payments be determined off of a cost loaded schedule?

Payments will be made via the standard OB10 system.

63. Will billing for materials stored off site be allowed on this project, if yes, what documentation will be required? If the answer is no, how much space can the VA provide for on-site storage containers for materials?

Payment for materials will be made in accordance with VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (d) which states

(d) The Contracting Officer will consider for monthly progress payments material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site, under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves, including but not limited to the following—

(1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings;

(2) The materials and/or equipment are approved by the resident engineer;

(3) The materials and/or equipment are stored separately and are readily available for inspection and inventory by the resident engineer;

(4) The materials and/or equipment are protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and

(5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage.

64. 1. Sheets labeled drawing number "01-S401.1" - "01-S408" contain shear and moment diagrams for the indicated areas where FRP is to be placed. When taking values from the moment diagram that are labeled in "K-FT" units are the values representing to the total width of the slab or are the values per linear foot of the slab?

BAE Response:

See response to question 30.

65. Concerning existing flexural reinforcement, is there any additional information or diagrams that can be provided specifically, about building 1. Currently the only apparent information related to existing flexural and sheer reinforcement is found within sheets "02-S201" - "02-S520" for building 2. If this is the only relevant information concerning existing flexural steel reinforcement can these be applied to building 1 as well?

BAE Response:

See response to question 31.

66. On page 10 of 73 in the solicitation, Section 2 Volume 1 Technical says Volume I Technical shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. The page limits may not be enough to demonstrate our ability (schedule, extensive narratives) that reflects all necessary work elements due to the number of buildings and extensive scope of work. Question: Will the Government please consider increasing the Volume I page limit to 25 pages?

Response:

The government revises the requirement for Volume I technical to state “shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pages.

67. Please confirm P1 and P2 are wall colors at Iowa City VA *-to be in ProMar Zero Voc Latex Eg-shell?

Final color selections will be determined by VA Interior Design Department.

Paint should be ProMar 200 Zero VoC Latex egg shell.

68. Please confirm P3 and P4 are the door frame color in Iowa City VA*- to ONLY be in Pro Industrial Latex S/G?

Final color selections will be determined by VA Interior Design Department.

Pro Industrial Latex S/G Is Correct.

69. Micropile specifications cites an existing 2011 geotechnical report. Can this report be provided to the bidders, so micropyle diameters and lengths can be determined in preparation of our bid.

VA will provide response.

Report is included as an attachment to Amendment 1 to the RFP.

70. Please confirm the total number of micropiles is ten (10).

Yes, for permanent installed if capacity assumptions shown on S001 can be achieved. Does not include any load testing required piers.

71. The contract documents require the micropile contractor to drill through existing footings. Please provide the following:

0. Thickness of the existing footings –

Response:

15” per existing drawings, contractor to verify in field.

0. Reinforcing steel in the existing footings

Response:

(15) #3 each way.

0. Quantity of micropiles that the contractors should figure that conflict with existing footings

Conflicting locations shown on plans.

73. Load testing: The specifications require 2 pre-production load tests to be performed. Please confirm the following:

2. The type of load test: Compression, tension or lateral

Response: Tension test required. Separate compression test or use of tension test to validate compression capacity is acceptable. Lateral test only required if needed by deferred submittal engineer to determine lateral capacity.

2. Are there any restrictions on the locations of the test piles?

Response:

VA to respond on acceptable locations for test piles.

2. Please confirm the quantity of tests to be performed, as the value of this may be significant

Response:

See specification details for the loading requirements of the two test piles.

74. The plans are noted as not to scale, can scaled drawings be provided?

Contractor to field verify all existing dimensions.

75. We have cable counts provided; do we have a count of how many actual cable drops? Plastic or stainless-steel faceplates?

Exact cable drop quantities shall be field verified by the contractor. Refer to attached Communication Equipment & Materials Quantity file for additional information. Coordinate faceplate material with the VA.

76. Are we planning on reusing/assuming there are existing sleeves into all rooms? Are conduits piped to hallways? Are we reusing/assuming there are existing secondary pathways in rooms/hallways?

Contractor shall plan for all new sleeves, conduits, and pathways.

77. Who is in charge of disposal of equipment not scheduled to be reused

GC is responsible for disposal of all equipment not scheduled for reuse.

78. Infection Control risk requirements, are HEPA carts required? If so does hospital supply these or does contractor?

GC to provide. GC to coordinate with the VA for additional requirements and instructions.

79.Drawing ET001 states that cable tray shall be provided for cable bundles that exceed 12 cables. Drawing ET-100 states cable tray shall be provided when cable bundles exceed 24 cables. Which is correct?

“24 cables” is correct for primary pathways.

80. Cable tray to be sized per detail 2 on sheet 00-ET-TD6. Without knowing where cabling drops are how do we size the cable tray accordingly.

Contractor shall field locate cable drops. In lieu of this data, size cable tray for worst case scenario. Refer to attached Communication Equipment & Materials Quantity file for additional information.

81.Per drawing 02-ET102-CTL calls out 4x12 and 6x16 ladder tray? Is this actual aluminum ladder tray or basket tray?

This is aluminum ladder tray.

82. Not seeing any PDUs or UPSs in data center cabinets per drawing 02-ET200-DCMDA, can I get clarification on no PDUs and UPSs in data center Network/Server Cabinets

UPS cabinets are located in adjacent room.

83. What is the difference in high density vs standard density cabinets in data center. Drawing 02-ET200-DCMDA.

High density versus low density refers to the kilowatts consumed per rack.

84. Drawing 02-ET200-DCMDA, Network cabinet I and J have copper patch panels in them. Where does the horizontal cabling come from to these patch panels?

For pricing purpose, as a separate line item referencing RFI question #84, include (2) patch panels with 200’ of Cat6A for each patch panel shown.

85. Is cable tray liner required?

Cable tray liner is not required.

86. In the specs it calls out for an escort upon any entry of IT closet. Will we be provided a full time VA employee to escort us?

An escort of some type suitable to the VA will be provided.

87. 2nd floor 2w110 new TR and 2W174C existing TR all say under separate contract? Is this an alternate or is this not part of this job?

Work performed under separate contract is not part of this project. Coordinate work done by others that impacts this project.

88. Are we not installing any high-count copper (100,200,300 pair phone cable)? Seems to be nothing noted on drawings.

Provide materials, equipment, and cabling as required per the construction documents.

89. During walk through it was clear that there was a lot of existing high count copper in closets. Is demo of existing high count copper part of this scope?

Contractor shall demo all abandoned and obsolete high-count copper.

90. Davis Bacon or Prevailing wage rates??

Wage rates are included as attachment 11 to the solicitation.

91. Specs and riser call for OS1. Can OS2 be used in lieu of OS1 due to material lead times and availability of OS1?

Provide OS1 as indicated.

92. Telecommunications riser diagrams show a single line entering each building’s network rooms. The lines are labelled with (2) 24 strand…etc. Does this line represent both the A and B pathways and fiber quantities? Or does each path, A and B, require the quantities referenced? For example, Building 1-6W07 calls for “TWO (2) 24 STRANDS OM4 & TWO (2) 12 STRANDS 0S1”. Is that (1) 24 strand OM4 & (1) 12 strand OS1 in the A path and the same in the B path. Or is it (2) and (2) for each path?

The riser indicates the total quantity, which is then split between path A and path B.

93. No detail on Fire Rated Plywood? Is this needed in Data closets?

Refer to architectural drawings for plywood backboard wall tags/locations, and requirements.

94. When demoing existing cable tray and data cabling what is to be done with non-communications cabling? (fire alarm, nurse call, mechanical, lighting control, etc.)

All non-communication cabling shall be protected and maintained. Provide support where needed if cable tray is removed

95. Cables installed by others to be terminated, does data contractor provide jacks, patch panels, labeling and testing?

Yes, data contractor provides all materials, labeling, and testing required to properly terminate.

96. Is VMS a Lenel system along with existing card access? What system is VMS?

VA to provide response and provide existing system information.

The Video Monitoring System is by Axis. Cameras that are compatible with that system are required.

97.What manufacturer are the Cameras?

Axis

98. Are there any liquidated damages for this project?

Liquidated damages are not included in this solicitation.

99. Is this project tax exempt and if so will a certificate be issued?

The government will not be issuing a tax exempt certificate.

100. How will payment be handled for materials stored prior to installation? Full payment? Partial payment? Proof required that the materials have been paid for?

Payment for materials will be made in accordance with VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (d) which states

(d) The Contracting Officer will consider for monthly progress payments material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site, under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves, including but not limited to the following—

(1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings;

(2) The materials and/or equipment are approved by the resident engineer;

(3) The materials and/or equipment are stored separately and are readily available for inspection and inventory by the resident engineer;

(4) The materials and/or equipment are protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and

(5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage.

101. CQCM - Is the Contractor Quality Control Manager required to be onsite full time with no other duties?

According to the specifications the CQC manager may share duties with other personnel.

102. CQCS - The individual Quality Control Specialists that are required for each trade and for Structural, Civil, and Environmental, etc., are to work directly for the Prime Contractor. Can they be part time employees?

These can be part time employees as long as they are present when the relevant work is being completed.

103. SSHO – Is the Site Safety and Health Officer required to be onsite full time with no other duties?

According to the specifications the SSHO may share duties with other personnel.

104. 01 81 13 Sustainable Construction Requirements – This is very comprehensive and costly. Will the government consider scaling this back to fit the scope of the project?

The government will not be scaling back Sustainable Construction Requirements.

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