Technical Questions - FINAL - Bay Pines 5-31-23.pdf

Solicitation # 36C77623B0029 Construct Dental Clinic (Minor) Construction - Bay Pines Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 5-8-23 5-31-23 How will the project be awarded based on the deducts?

Will the government disclose the budget?

In accordance with VAAR 852.236-96, the construction budget will be read aloud during the bid opening. The deducts will be applied in accordance with the language listed in the price schedule and award will be made based on the deduct line items in order expressed that provide the most features within the funds determined to be available. Note that an award may be made on any combination of the following: awarding is in the best interest of the Government, available funds at time of award, and/or the low offeror’s price for the combination to be awarded is less than the price offered by any other responsive, responsible offeror.

2. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please change the contract type to a Fixed-Price with Economics Price Adjustments pursuant to FAR 16.203.

In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, this requirement will remain as a Firm Fixed Price contract.

3. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please reduce the price-hold period to 30 days.

Price-hold period will not be altered and remains as 90 calendar days.

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4. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Is this project exempt from taxes? It “clearly” states in the Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229-3, Offerors are hereby notified that all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials must be included in their bid or proposal price. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all other applicable taxes in their bid or proposal price as well.

5. 5-8-23 5-31-23 SF1442 Item 13.a. states that sealed offers are due at the place specified in Item 8, which contains a physical address in Independence, OH. Paragraph 2.8 Bid Submission states that only electronic bids will be accepted. Please clarify how the VA would like to receive bids.

Please follow 2.8 Bid Submission item (b). Only electronic bids will be accepted. No original or hard copies will be accepted.

6. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is this project being awarded based on the lowest price or will the VA require CPARS with similar sized projects along with a reasonable price for the bidders to be eligible for award?

This is an Invitation for Bid. Award will be made on price only. Please read Notice under price schedule, contained in the solicitation, for guidance.

7. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Solicitation Doesn't reference a technical proposal - What is the Basis for award? LPTA?

See response to #6 above.

8. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please confirm project duration. It “clearly” states, on each line item of the price schedule, 550 calendar days after the contractor receives the NOTICE TO PROCEED.

9. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting. They were provided, via solicitation amendment, the same day that the visit was facilitated. It helps if you monitor SAM.gov.

10. 5-12-23 5-31-23 The basis of award is listed as price only. For price comparison purposes, will the Government be making their evaluation on CLIN 0001 only? If not, describe the evaluation process to determine the low bidder.

See response to #1 and #6 above.

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11. 5-12-23 5-31-23 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)).

Nothing has been identified.

12. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) business days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

Confirmed.

13. 5-12-23 5-31-23 We understand that the Government intends to award a lump sum contract for this Task Order. The construction industry continues to experience significant cost volatility in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material costs from their suppliers, sometimes on a weekly basis, that can be as high as 10% or more.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood, steel, plastics, etc? Can an Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA) per contract length as one of the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) 216.203-4(1)(ii) clause be added to the RFP?"

In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, this requirement will remain as a Firm Fixed Price contract.

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14. 5-12-23 5-31-23 The construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays, in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material delivery durations from their suppliers.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current extended lead times and material manufacturing and delivery delays that are occurring in the construction industry?"

The VA is aware of material delays, which are out of the Contractor’s control. When such delays arise, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to inform the VA in a timely manner. This allows both parties to reach an amicable resolution.

However, it is the responsibility of the offeror to take these market risks into account when providing pricing. The awardee will assume the responsibility for such delays because any contractual agreement will be in accordance with FAR 52.216-1 Firm Fixed Price.

15. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is builders risk required? If so, is it provided by the VA? Builders risk is not provided by the VA.

16. 4-27-23 5-31-23 Specifications - 00 01 15 List of Drawings cites AF101-F

Floor Finish Plan, AF101-W Wall Finish & Projection Plan, IG101 Interior Perspectives. However, these drawings have been omitted and conflict with the Drawing Index contained on (pg. 1) of Drawings - Part 1.

Please provide or advise.

The Drawings Index on the Drawings Page 1 is correct. As of 05/15/2023, the Specifications on sam.gov reflect the corrected Sheet Index.

17. 4-27-23 5-31-23 Specifications – 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements does not identify who is responsible for commissioning. Is it the responsibility of the General Contractor or the VA?

See Spec Section 01 91 00-1.8.B.

The commissioning team appointed by the A/E, including the commissioning agent in this project, MES Group, Inc. is the commissioning agent for this project

18. 5-2-23 5-31-23 Will there be an irrigation plan released? I see Irrigation mentioned in the Specifications however I do not see it mentioned anywhere in the drawings. Please advise.

An Irrigation layout to be performed by the landscape contractor based on the vender being used.

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19. 5-3-23 5-31-23 In Part 2 – Products / Section 2.2 Lift Unit / A. Basis of Design the Specification calls for LikoGuard XL 800 or equivalent, Safe Working Load 800lbs. The Drawing Equipment Schedule (QH701) calls for an Ultra Twin System. Can you please verify which lift should be quoted for this project? The LikoGuard (one motor for 800 lb.) or Ultra Twin with Dual Motors (550 lbs each)?

-Please provide LikoGuard XL 800 (or approved equal).

-All products to be reviewed for aesthetics, performance, and conformity to specifications and drawings

20. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Mechanical Equipment - The Mechanical specifications does not list any approved equipment manufactures for products that can be used on this project.

Please provide equipment specifications naming approved equipment manufactures.

-BOD listed on drawings for reference.

-All Manufacture’s will be considered, provided Manufacturer’s meet the specification requirements and other requirements of the specifications (Buy American, Lead-free, etc.)

21. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Bid Deduct 2 - Note 18 on mechanical plan sheet:

(MH111), makes reference to a Bid Deduct 2, referencing ceiling pockets removed. Supply and air distribution in this area (H 325 Break Room) replaced with mark A diffuser. To refer to architectural drawings for additional information regarding bid deduct.

I have reviewed the architectural drawings and found no reference to Bid Deduct 2.

Please clarify Bid Deduct 2 to better understand the intent of the deduct.

See drawing #3: “Reflected Ceiling Plan – Bid Item 3” on Architectural Sheet AC101.

Please note, Bid Deduct 2 is Bid Item 3. See Spec Section 01 00 00-1.3.

22. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Underground Chilled Water Piping - Mechanical sheet MP111, note 3 indicates to refer to Civil Drawings for continuation for the underground chilled water piping.

Sheet: CS -171 shows the continuation for the underground chilled water piping to be tied into existing Building 102.

Does the existing chilled water piping at building 102 have existing isolation valves for us to tie into?

Please see Addendum #1 for revised Chilled Water Piping Drawings and Specs. There is no valve. A utility shutdown will be required to tap into the system.

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23. 5-3-23 5-31-23 HVAC Mechanical Specification Section 23 21 13 “Hydronic Piping” does not have a specification section for Underground Chilled Water Piping.

Please provide a spec for the Pre-Insulated Underground Chilled Water Piping System.

See Addendum #1 for revised specifications.

24. 5-3-23 5-31-23 DDC Controls - The HVAC Mechanical Specification Section 23 09 23 “Direct-Digital Controls System”, does not indicate the existing system controls operating the building.

Are the controls subcontractor hired by the prime contractor? If not, please read request below.

Please provide the contact information for the Controls Subcontractor w/Name & email address who is currently controlling the HVAC Building Controls System.

The campus utilizes Johnson Controls and the Metasys system. Operated and maintained by VA HVAC shop personnel. The contractor is expected to supply a system compatible with the campus system.

25. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Test & Balance - The HVAC Mechanical Specification Section 23 05 93 Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing for HVAC indicates that this subcontractor is to be hired by the prime contractor.

If not who is responsible to hire an independent test & balance agency?

The contractor is expected to hire a third party to accomplish and certify the test and balance.

26. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Chemical Treatment - The HVAC Mechanical Specification Section 23 25 00 “HVAC Water Treatment” does not mention the current owner’s facility vendor contractor who is maintaining the chemical treatment.

Please provide the contact information for the Chemical Treatment Vendor under contract with the user w/Name & email address.

Water treatment for chiller water is accomplished in house at the central plant in building 100.

27. 5-3-23 5-31-23 Mechanical Permit - Will the mechanical contractor be permit under the GC’s Building permit, or will the mechanical contractor be required to pull his own permit?

Mechanical Contractor will need to pull their own.

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28. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Drawing QH701 Equipment schedule indicates Dental casework 5a,5b,5c,7a,7b,7c is this casework by VA not GC. Please confirm.

Confirmed. Casework in Treatment Rooms, Special Treatment Rooms, and Oral surgery to be provided and installed by VA. Contractor responsible coordinating and bringing utility rough-ins to the room.

29. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Drawing AF101 finish Legend indicates PL-2 casework/ Panel, are these by VA or GC. No Details Provided on drawings.

See response to Item No. 28.

30. 5-8-23 5-31-23 Solid Surface SS-2 counter tops, are these provided by VA or GC?

See response to Item No. 28

31. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is the Prime Contractor required to have a FL General Contractors license for this project?

Yes

32. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will the VA require all fields being performed (i.e.

Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, etc.) to hold the appropriate licenses in the state of FL to be considered eligible to complete said work?

Yes

33. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is there an Environmental Report (Asbestos) available? Yes. See Addendum #1

34. 5-12-23 5-31-23 If mold or asbestos is found at the site will a FL licensed

Mold Remediator and / or Asbestos Contractor be required to complete the work?

Mold and asbestos should be abated in accordance with all applicable laws and VA regulation.

35. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will the coordination of the required utility shutdowns for demolition be handled by the VA or by the Prime contractor?

-The contractor will prepare all coordination and paperwork to the Contracting Offer Representative for a utility shutdown approval.

-See Spec Sections 01 00 00-1.6.M and 02 41 00- 1.4

36. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will the trees of the surrounding area have to be replanted in a different area or will they be considered trash?

Trees being removed can be considered trash, however, for every inch of truck diameter, an inch of DBH at maturity must be replaced.

See Planting Schedule on Sheet LS-401.

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37. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will the VA approve night and weekend work for this project? If yes, how far in advance will the request need to be made?

-Since this is a stand alone building, night and weekend work should not be an issue; unnless, it involves a utility shutdown.

-See Specification Section 01 00 00-1.2.F

38. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will this project overlap with current projects throughout the hospital?

Possibly the construction of the Geriatric Primary Care Clinic, which will be on the opposite side of the campus.

39. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Where will the staging area be for this project? The area directly south and southwest of the proposed building (the area around the new stormwater pond, new roadway, and southwest side of the new parking lot) is to be used as a staging area. Existing storage containers and trailers to be removed by the VA prior to construction.

40. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Are there any fixtures or equipment that will need to be turned over to the VA prior to the start of demolition?

No

41. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is the VA aware of any unforeseen conditions that were discovered after the drawings were released?

None known.

42. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please advise if Construction Specialties / Acrovyn would be an approved manufacturer for the wall protection scope.

Yes but will be reviewed for conformity to specifications and desired aesthetics and subject to reject by A/E, and/or VA.

43. 5-12-23 5-31-23 On page AC101 (RCP) it shows these ceilings on the 1st and 2nd floor. From looking at the rendering of the building on the cover page it appears that these only occur once, between the 1st and 2nd floor. Can you confirm this?

This building is to be single story construction.

Plan #1 on AC101 is the Base Bid Ceiling Plan and Plan #3 is an alternate ceiling plan in case Bid Item 3 is selected in lieu of the Base Bid.

See Building Sections 1 and 2 on Sheet AE301 for reference.

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44. 5-12-23 5-31-23 The material on the finish lists an Armstrong Linear exterior ceiling. Armstrong has a couple products that match this description but vary in price. Can one be specified?

-Armstrong Metalworks Linear – Synchro OR Pac-Clad Flush/Reveal Soffit OR Equal.

-All products to be reviewed for aesthetics, performance, and conformity to specifications and drawings.

45. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will uplift bracing be needed on this ceiling? If so, can you provide spacing?

Interior Ceilings: Uplift force for blast design is only for connecting the deck to the roof beams, not for uplift or any sort of upward analysis Exterior Soffit: Soffit Panels to be delegated designed by metal stud engineer per wind loads provided on S002.

46. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Drawing - GC - 051 for reference - Can the Contractor keep the project limits shown with fencing and erosion control in place for the entirety of the project?

Yes

47. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Has a soil analysis been performed to determine if Hazardous materials are present in soils that may need to be removed from the site?

Yes. See Addendum #1.

48. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Are any hazardous materials present in the soil? See Geotechnical report in Addendum #1

49. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Does the Facility have Proprietary DDC controls software in place? If so whom is the current systems integrator for the facility?

The controls should be compatible to the Metasys system.

See answer to Item No. 24.

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50. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Two QSYS part number are specified for paging, which one does the VA need or prefer? 110F or 110C?

• How many zones are required?

• Which model of paging microphone is needed?

• Will network enclosures be needed for the new network video recorder hard drives?

Q-SYS Core 110F

Paging Station – PS-1650G

Minimum of 4 zones: Waiting Area, Treatment Rooms, remainder of space (Offices, corridors, locker rooms, lab, etc.), & Future.

Coordinate with Users during construction.

Assume yes, but contractor will need to verify with VA if existing enclosures have sufficient space for additional required drives or if new rack mounted enclosures are required.

51. 5-12-23 5-31-23 The drawings are dated 02/03/2023. Are these the latest and most complete set?

Yes. See Addendum #1 to be the only exception.

52. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Detail 6-AI402 has the casework called out as both PL-2 and 5c. Which callout is correct? (There are multiple other contradictory notes using the same two callouts on sheet AI402)

-Square Tags (“5c”) are Equipment Tags. See Sheet Equipment Schedule on Sheet QH701.

-Rectangle Tags (“PL-2”) are Finish Tags. See Finish Legend AF101.

-Please Note, Casework 5a, 5b, 5c, and 7a, 7b, and 7c are to be VA provided and VA installed.

Material Tag shown for reference only.

53. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is the casework for treatment rooms still being provided by the VA as specified in the schedule on page QH701?

See response to Item No. 28

54. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is the VA responsible for connecting the built-in sinks on the dental casework shown on sheet QH701, tags 5a, 5b, 5c, 7a, 7b, 7c?

See response to Item No. 28

55. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Can the VA confirm that the contractor will not be responsible for laminating VA provided casework to match the contractor supplied casework in this project?

Confirmed. See response to Item No. 28

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56. 5-12-23 5-31-23 S001/Note #42 states Fibrous reinforcements can be used in lieu of W.W.F Wire Mesh. Can wire mesh be used?

Fiber mesh mix is more expensive and requires more care during finishing and troweling.

Yes, WWF wire mesh can be used

57. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

Specifications have been revised. See Addendum #1. SSHO, QA/QC, and Project Superintendent to be separate, qualified individuals.

58. 5-12-23 5-31-23 If not to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

Specifications have been revised. See Addendum #1. SSHO, QA/QC, and Project Superintendent to be separate, qualified individuals.

59. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please identify an area onsite where a lay down yard can be established for the duration of the project.

See response to Item No. 39

60. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please clarify if temporary fencing be required during exterior construction activities?

Yes. Fencing off the construction/laydown area is required for both protection of dormitory residents, and site security.

61. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Will the existing project trailer have to be relocated since it’s just on the outside of the erosion control?

The current trailer is to be demolished and removed. See sheet GC-052

62. 5-12-23 5-31-23 What product is to be used for the Fiber Cement Wall Panels? The specs do not have a basis of design and would like to know what product needs to be carried.

BOD: American Fiber Cement Corp. – Patina.

-All products to be reviewed for aesthetics, performance, and conformity to specifications and drawings.

63. 5-12-23 5-31-23 What product is to be used for the bullet resistant panels?

The specs do not have a basis of design and will need to know this product so we can be sure to carry the proper framing required at the locations called out in the drawings.

BOD: ArmorCore by Waco Composites -All products to be reviewed for aesthetics, performance, and conformity to specifications and drawings.

64. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please confirm the commissioning agent will be provided by the VA.

See Spec Section 01 91 00-1.8.B.

The commissioning team appointed by the A/E, including the commissioning agent in this project, MES Group, Inc. is the commissioning agent for this project.

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65. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please advise the if the site superintendent can hold duties as SSHO or CQC.

Specifications have been revised. See Addendum #1. SSHO, QA/QC, and Project Superintendent to be separate, qualified individuals.

66. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Please advise if CQC or SSHO need to be a separate person.

Specifications have been revised. See Addendum #1. SSHO, QA/QC, and Project Superintendent to be separate, qualified individuals.

67. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Is Submittal Exchanges required for this project? Will it be provided by the VA?

Submittal Exchange, Procore, or equivalent.

To be provided and maintained throughout project by Prime Contractor.

68. 5-12-23 5-31-23 The structural specification requires fabrication & erection of items to be in accordance with AISC Specifications. Does the fabricator and erector need to hold an AISC Certification?

Yes, an AISC certification is required.

69. 5-12-23 5-31-23 If an AISC certification is required, we are requesting that the AISC certification requirement be waived if either of the following two (2) conditions are met:

1. Los Angeles City Certification can be substituted.

2. Third party monitoring agency performs inspection of the fabrication plant during the steel fabrication and erection process".

Regardless of the certification, all VA, Federal, State, and local codes must be followed and meet.

-Third party inspection agency shall be hired.

Refer to Structural Steel Spec 05 12 23-3.2 – Quality Control.

70. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Provide HazMat Survey for existing building to be demolished.

See response to Item No. 33

71. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Provide current geotechnical report. See response to Item No. 47

72. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

All information will be processed through the government Contracting Officer Representative assigned to the project.

73. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc.. from the affected areas prior to construction.

The trailer is already emptied and not in use.

74. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

This is a stand-alone building, so IRCRA is not required.

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75. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Who does inspection and permitting of Infection Control? Is there an Infection Control Permit fee?

This is a stand-alone building, so IRCRA is not required.

76. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Confirm that the Superintendent can dual hat as the Quality Control Manager.

Specifications have been revised. See Addendum #1. SSHO, QA/QC, and Project Superintendent to be separate, qualified individuals.

77. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Specification section 01 45 00, 3.4.B states: the CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 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?

Bachelor’s is acceptable.

78. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Can Propress be used for 1” and above copper fittings? Pro-press is not allowed in VA facilities

79. 5-12-23 5-31-23 Can Mega Press be used for all of the natural gas piping? Mega Press is not allowed in VA Facilities

80. 5-31-23 Concerning the Construct Dental Clinic VAMC Bay

Pines 516-349 project. Chicago Bullet proof is seeking approval for our bullet resistant door for this project, door 111Q on AI601.

This product looks to meet design intent.

(Ballistic and VA Hardware) -All products to be reviewed for aesthetics, performance, and conformity to specifications and drawings.

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81. I would like to respectfully request your consideration of G410 60mil adhered Thermoplastic Polyvinyl-Chloride (PVC) Roofing System with a 20 year warranty, as a Substitution on Dental Clinic (Minor) Construction

Sika Sarnafil manufactures thermoplastic PVC membranes that are energy-efficient and meet Energy Star and LEED criteria for low slope and steep slope applications.

Below is the G410 Guide Spec, a G410 Product Data Sheet and other pertinent data, as it pertains to the project specifications. Our G410 60mil adhered membrane is Energy Star Rated and meets ASTM requirements.

This product does not meet the design intent.

Please see Addendum #1 for clarification on KEE roofing design requirements.