Technical Questions - FINAL - St. Louis 3-28-23.pdf

Solicitation #36C77623R0009 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction – St. Louis Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

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1. 2-29-23 2-29-23 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. 3-9-23 3-9-23 VAAR 852.243-70 Construction Contract Changes— Supplement (Sep 2019) Item (a) (3) cites TBD. Is this accurate?

Please be advised that it will be adjusted to reflect 30 calendar days at time of award.

3. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Document 36C77623R009 pg. 11 or 85 item 3.d, In addition to the Price Schedule, offerors shall submit a complete breakdown of the Division Pricing for Line Items (0001 - 0007), please advise on the format and items required for the complete breakdown?

There is no mandatory format. The requirement is for a complete pricing breakdown of the disciplines cited in each line item. It is the responsibility of the offeror to include what they determine is applicable.

4. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please define the requirements for unarmed guards during off duty hours. Is it the intent for the contractor to provide guards at all construction activities for the entire life of the project? What is the equipment requirement for recording guard rounds? Is this intended to be video surveillance documenting rounds or simply software tracking daily rounds?

Specification section 1.5 Construction Security Requirements Item C. Guards (1)(2)(3) was inadvertently inserted into the specifications and is NOT applicable.

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5. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm this project will not trigger the following, which is contained in the solicitation section 4.32 IT Contract Security (Item 7. Liquidated Damages for Data Breach). Contract Security “Consistent with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 5725, a contract may require access to sensitive personal information. If so, the contractor is liable to VA for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under this contract”. This requirement has not been included on other EHRM projects nor do we anticipate having access to sensitive personal information.

After further review, solicitation section 4.32 IT Contract Security clause no longer applies and will be removed in its entirety at time of award.

6. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm that any designers or consultants who provided professional services for the bidding documents including reports are precluded from pursuing this project as a Prime contractor, Mentor-Protégé partner or subcontractor.

Any member of the design team of this project is not permitted to be part of the Construction team.

7. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

The project is subject to the Buy American Act requirements in accordance the clauses and provisions that are part of the solicitation.

8. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm that this project is a competitive Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside project and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protege partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor- Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the bid date.

This is an SDVOSB project. The bonding requirements must be met for this project, per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

9. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a Payment & Performance bond for a SDVOSB.

Reference response to question #8.

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10. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee for a SDVOSB.

Reference response to question #8.

11. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Does the government anticipate not awarding any of the stated CLINS or will all CLIN’s be awarded to the selected Prime?

Solicitation Price/Cost Schedule Notice (Item #3) states “Award will be made on Grand Total (Line Items 0001 - 0007).”

12. 3-10-23 3-14-23 Please verify if the size limitation for each of three emails containing a Volume cannot exceed 5Mb. We have seen other VA Solicitations whereby the size limitation is much greater than the listed 5Mb.

The size limitation for each of the volumes has been increased to 10MB. Make sure each volume is submitted in a separate email.

13. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government pay for materials stored per VAAR 852.232-71 and FAR 52.232-5? We have experienced PCAC Contracting Officers refusal to pay for materials stored on site during these periods of material shortages and the need to expedite procurement of materials when available to meet schedule obligations and prevent project delays. This is an important factor in preparing Price proposals.

Contractor should not bid assuming the VA will approve payment for stored materials. Payment of stored materials will be handled on a case-by-case basis during the contract.

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14. 3-9-23 3-28-23 The fiber optic one-line drawings identify the “A” side backbone terminating into a rack mounted splice case, and the “B” terminating into a fiber optic patch panel.

The “A” side seems pretty consistent of terminating into a rack mounted splice case then patching to the fiber optic patch panel. Is the “A” side fiber expected to be air blown fiber installation or standard raw cable? I have cut and pasted from the drawings an example.

No rack mounted splice cases.

A and B will be blown fiber by the end of the construction, and both will terminate into a fiber patch panel at the TR rack.

15. 3-9-23 3-28-23 What video management system is the VA currently using for CCTV? What is the current version?

PASS Security manages video and access control

16. 3-9-23 3-28-23 What access control manufacturer is the VA currently using? What is the current version?

PASS Security manages video and access control

17. 3-9-23 3-28-23 Is the contractor responsible for moving furniture to support work area outlet termination and cut over?

Yes

18. 3-9-23 3-28-23 Is the contractor responsible for innerduct installation in duct banks and within each facility? Specifications 27 05 33, Paragraph 2.1.I identifies innerduct however, there are not details or instructions as to size and quantity. If innerduct is required, would the VA consider MaxCell versus corrugated innerducts for exterior use?

The Government will consider any deviation from the specifications on a case-by-case submittal basis.

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19. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Specification 01 35 26 -1.7 SSHO requirements, can the site superintendent perform two roles SSHO or QCM?

These roles will be performed by separate persons.

20. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per the SOW all existing telecom drops are to remain active/live until the new drops and supporting infrastructure has been commissioned. This will prevent us from using the existing conduit. This would mean that all wall drops indicated on the plans should be accounted for as new and no existing wall drop locations could be used. We would need to cut in new boxes & then cover the existing boxes with blank plates Please confirm that this is the intent here?

- Existing conduits to be used. Cut over time, down time, and phasing will be coordinated, per general specifications, with the station.

21. 3-10-23 3-28-23 When installing the data cables down existing walls. Can the VA confirm the below scenarios?

a. Where existing masonry or concrete walls are, the VA will accept wall surface mounted conduits?

b. Where new walls are constructed EMT conduit to above ceilings will be used?

c. Where there are adequate wall cavities in existing walls fishing the flexible conduit with cable down the wall is acceptable?

- existing conduits will be used

a. do not take exception, must be approved by COR prior to purchase and installation.

b. Rigid conduit will be used

c. No flex conduit will be used per VA standards

22. 3-10-23 3-28-23 What are the restoration requirements for Grass? Can we Hydroseed/seed or does it have to be Sod? Do we have to water after install? If yes, what is the timeline for required watering?

- Contractor to replace removed grass surface with SOD to match existing landscaping. See attached Sod Certificate for additional details.

23. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Sheet C-100 indicates at PHH.SP2 a secondary provider point of connection, is the provider Fiber optic cabling and conduit currently installed?

- The contractor will establish the conditions for the secondary provider.

There is not currently a secondary provider

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24. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Sheet C-001 Incoming telecommunications service provisions, pathway for service provider is included in the contractor’s scope of work, service provider cabling and electronics is not. During the walk through we were told to provide all conduits and cabling for the entire project site and buildings. Please verify that we are to include all conduits and fiber cabling for the entire project, site and buildings?

- Contractor to provide duct bank for all incoming fiber optic runs and runs throughout the campus as noted in the contract documents.

25. 3-10-23 3-28-23 HA drawings currently show ICRA barriers sized as 10’x3’ or smaller. This is not large enough to accommodate the 3 stage decon & 2 stage loadout at each work area. EPA regulations state that each stage of decon & loadout is a minimum of 3’x3’. This would equal to 15 ft X 3 ft just for the equipment. This does not include room for workers to change or to put a water heater & water filtration unit. We require a minimum of 20’ x 40” for ICRA required in the corridor space outside wherever abatement occurs per HA drawings. This may interfere with adjoining office spaces. Will this be allowed?

- Contractor will adhere to all regulatory requirements.

26. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will these ICRA barriers on the HA drawings be hard barriers (drywall) with lockable doors or plastic sheathing?

Yes, hard barriers will be used for all ICRA needs. Any deviations will be approved by the

VA.

27. 3-10-23 3-28-23 1. In all locations addressing the Access Control readers, the drawings have the same format. The demo drawing shows the card reader(s) highlighted, which we interpret as needing to be demoed. The associated final plans show the card reader(s) that were highlighted as no longer highlighted, but still on the drawing. We would assume that this means the existing card reader(s) stay in place. Here is an example from sheets 01ET400a (demo) and 01ER400b (completed condition). Questions:

a. Are we correct that the existing card reader(s) stay?

b. Or is the intent for the card reader to be replaced with a new card reader in the same location?

- If the TR is to remain, and the card readers adhere to the two-factor authentication they may remain. Any access control that does not currently meet specifications and contract documents will be replaced with new.

- If the readers are required to be updated and replaced, they will be placed in the same location.

28. 3-10-23 3-28-23 In all locations addressing the Access Control Panels, the drawings have the same format. The demo drawing shows the Access Control Panel highlighted, which we interpret as needing to be demoed. The associated final plans show the Access Control panel that was highlighted as no longer highlighted, but still on the drawing. We would assume that this ameans the existing Access Control Panel to stay in place. Here is an example from sheets 01ET400a (demo) and 01ER400b (completed condition). Questions:

a. Are we correct that the existing Access Control Panel is to stay?

b. Or is the intent for the Access Control Panel to be replaced with a new Access Control Panel in the same location?

c. In some closets with the Access Control Panel, for example sheet 03ET401, details 1 & 2, and specifically Key Note 4, which reads “Utilize existing PACS Security Head End location for new or relocated PASC Security TR Equipment”. Please note that there is no Key Note 4 shown, and the demo and finished drawings show the same Access Door Controller and Access Power Controller Panels.

i. Is it a requirement of this project to replace the Access Control Door Controllers and/or power supplies?

ii. Is it a requirement of this project for the Access Control Door Controllers and/or power supplies to be removed for demo?

If it is a requirement for replacement or removal for demo, please outline the expectations on duration of outages for the doors controlled by the Access Control Door Controllers.

a. Existing access control to stay. If equipment does not have slashes through it as indicated on the electrical legend sheet the equipment is to remain.

b. If the access control panel is not receiving new access control units, they will be replaced in kind and will not require an expanded panel. If new card readers are to be added the contractor will coordinate with PASS security to ensure capacity for additional units.

c. Access control must be operational prior to the installation of the new Switch and rack to ensure proper security is maintained on the VA network and equipment.

d. Existing door controllers and power supplies will be maintained through this project. New TR locations will receive new doors, controllers, and power supplies to support the new TR location.

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29. 3-10-23 3-28-23 The following keynotes appear to indicate that existing cabling systems which are to remain in place should be segregated into individual “bundles”. As stated in the keynotes these systems are anticipated to be intermixed or “tangled” in raceways throughout the cable runs. In order to segregate these systems to remain in place, it will likely be required to determinate and in most cases remove individual cables from the raceway in order to segregate. In turn these cables will need to be certified and re-terminated once segregation is complete. Please confirm this is the design intent for Nurse Call, Fire Alarm, and Security System Alarm Wires.

- The segregation of wires is required. The means and methods used to segregate cables is up to the contractor. Please note the contractor will not abandon existing cabling once new CAT6A is installed.

The preferred method of bundling is Velcro straps.

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30. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per the contract specifications, cable pulling operations are to occur from 4:30pm to 12:30am. Will the government consider allowing 10-hour workdays during afterhours? Example (4:30pm-2:30am)

No, the project schedule will be 5 days, 8 hours per day throughout the period of performance.

Any deviation or requests for change of schedule to be submitted to and approved by the government.

31. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide the work hours for the project. There are numerous references in the bid documents.

Contractor to bid second shift work, exceptions to this work schedule will be approved by the Gov.

32. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Are all telecommunications cable pulls to be done in second shift?

Yes

33. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the required onsite staff for the contractor. Currently the way the specification is written one person can serve in three roles.

Any individual to serve as multiple roles shall be submitted under each required role to be approved by the Government.

34. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

Any individual to serve as multiple roles shall be submitted under each required role to be approved by the Government.

35. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Any individual to serve as multiple roles shall be submitted under each required role to be approved by the Government.

36. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Any individual to serve multiple roles shall be submitted under each required role to be approved by the Government.

37. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Materials must be submitted per the specifications which will include required materials testing and laboratory requirements. Please see 01 45 29 for testing and laboratory services

38. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that commissioning agent (CxA) will be provided by the VA or contractor.

The VA will provide commissioning for this project.

39. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that the contractor is to provide third party independent inspections.

Specification 01 45 35 and references to this specification do not apply.

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40. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Third party independent inspections are referenced in numerous documents which reference Section 01 45 35 and a schedule of special inspection however neither document has been issued with the bid documents.

Please advise.

Specification 01 45 35 and references to this specification do not apply.

41. 3-10-23 3-28-23 If the VA requires third party independent inspections, please provide spec section 01 45 35 and the schedule of inspections.

Specification 01 45 35 and references to this specification do not apply.

42. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

In accordance with 07 84 00- section 1.5 B Yes.

43. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

In accordance with 07 84 00- section 3.5 B Yes.

44. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that firestopping installers accredited by a firestopping product manufacturer will not be approved by the VA unless they meet the FM global or UL qualifications referenced in section 07 84 00.

In accordance with 07 84 00- Yes.

45. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that the VA will provide the contractor with a laydown area for dumpsters, toilets, storage, and trailers.

Laydown area will be in the 255 lot by Interstate

270. Any deviation will require approval by the government.

46. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can the VA provide locations on a site plan for the proposed contactor laydown areas keeping in mind that the contractor will need multiple laydown areas due to the sheer size of the campus and scope of work.

Laydown area will be in the 255 lot by Interstate

270. Any deviation will require approval by the government.

47. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site.

No contractor parking will be provided.

Contractors will utilize NON-veteran parking for this project.

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48. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the contractor will be required to submit post award the requested information that the telecommunications contractor shall be a BICSI licensed Contractor with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience installing and servicing systems of similar scope and complexity. The Contractor shall provide four (4) current references from clients with systems of similar scope and complexity which became operational in the past three

(3) years. At least three (3) of the references shall be utilizing the same system components, in a similar configuration as the proposed system. The references must include a current point of contact, company or agency name, address, telephone number, complete system description, date of completion, and approximate cost of the project.

Contractor will provide all specified qualifications per the contract documents.

49. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must submit copies of system manufacturer certification for all technicians. The Contractor shall provide proof project superintendent with BICSI Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project.

Contractor will provide all specified qualifications per the contract documents.

50. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Contractor will provide all specified qualifications per the contract documents.

51. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the RCDD licensed staff member shall be on-site throughout the life of the project to oversee all telecommunications and security scope and shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination, and testing.

Yes, all requirements within Division 28 specifications are required to be met by the contractor.

52. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please waive the AISC requirement in spec section 05 12 00 as there is no structural steel in the scope of work.

No, this will be maintained per the specification.

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53. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm there are no requirements for the contractor to utilize or submit any files or plans in Revit.

Revit will be utilized for all required drawings and submittals.

54. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Section 01 00 00 general requirements “Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the COR and a representative of VA Supply Service, of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both, to the Contracting Office”. Please confirm that the VA staff will have the time to do these surveys without delaying the contractor as these thorough surveys are extremely time-consuming.

This will be completed and coordinated for through the station, availability will be the responsibility of the contractor and the station.

55. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per spec section 01 00 00 that “contractor shall provide unarmed guards at the project after construction hours”.

Please confirm this requirement and the number of guards is expected to provide for one shift.

Reference response to question #4.

56. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per spec section 01 00 00 “The Contractor shall provide the guards and VA police with communication devices as directed”. Please provide what communication devices the VA is asking for and a quantity.

Reference response to question #4.

57. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per spec section 01 00 00 “The general Contractor shall install equipment for recording guard rounds to ensure systematic checking of the premises.” Please identify the equipment and quantity.

Reference response to question #4.

58. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm provide a commercial photographer is to be provided by the contractor.

The contractor will not be required to provide a commercial photographer.

59. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

The contractor will not be required to provide a commercial photographer.

60. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

The contractor will not be required to provide a commercial photographer.

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61. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can the contractor QC manager serve as the photographer if they meet the requirement of having experience photographing construction projects. The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

The contractor will not be required to provide a commercial photographer.

62. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can the QC manager serve as the photographer for the demonstration and training recordings? The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

The contractor will not be required to provide a commercial photographer.

63. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide specification for Stucco. No exterior stucco work is anticipated. All new finish work interior will be GWB with appropriate paint finish. Any exterior drilling will be calked with the appropriate color caulking to match existing conditions.

64. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide landscape specification. Please see SOD reference for grass repair.

65. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Spec section 02 82 13 states numerous times “Below is a brief description of the estimated quantities of asbestos containing materials to be abated by the glovebag method. These quantities are for informational purposes only and are based on the best information available at the time of the specification preparation. The Contractor shall satisfy himself as the actual quantities to be abated.

Nothing in this section may be interpreted as limiting the extent of work otherwise required by this contract and related documents.”. Contractors have no way to verify ACM quantities during the bid therefore the contractor must rely on the quantities provided or shown for pricing. Please confirm post award that if ACM is discovered in greater quantities than in the bidding documents that the VA will issue a modification to the contract or resolve the issue of greater quantity of ACM on their own.

Please reference the additional environmental drawings and specifications, which were posted with the solicitation, for appropriate quantities and assumed additional percentages for the quantity of abatement required under this contract.

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66. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm contractor is to provide a Third-Party Professional Industrial Hygienist/Certified Industrial Hygienist (TPPIH/CIH) who will oversee removal, and testing of ACM.

The CPIH hired by the contractor will oversee the removal and testing of ACM.

67. 3-10-23 3-28-23 If required can the TPPIH/CIH be provided by the abatement subcontractor?

The CPIH hired by the contractor will oversee the removal and testing of ACM.

68. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Sheet A-0001 General Note 16 states “CONTRACTOR

TO REPLACE EXISTING FIRE EXTINGUISHER

WITHIN 75' WITH A CLEAN AGENT FIRE

EXTINGUISHER IN ACCORDANCE TO THE FIRE

PROTECTION MANUAL AT ALL TELECOM

ROOMS.” Please clarify as only one existing fire extinguisher cabinet is shown in the plans. Are we to replace only this one or does the VA want a new cabinet and extinguisher at every telecom room?

The contractor will replace fire extinguishers within 75ft. of all TRs.

69. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please clarify ICRA barrier system for work in corridors.

Will fire resistant plastic dust barriers be suitable or will a hard construction barrier be required?

See response to RFI 26

70. 3-10-23 3-28-23 If hard barriers are required, what is the duration of time that the contractor can leave the barrier up in a corridor?

Barrier is to remain until work is complete within the isolated space.

71. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm requirement for an additional 20% capacity of communications cabling to be included in the bid amount.

Bid quantities will reflect the requirements stated in the contract documents.

72. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Yes

73. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm painting unless otherwise noted is to be

(3) coats (prime, body, and finish) and will be from "seam to seam" or to a change of materials where walls are patched and refinished.

Yes

74. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough?

Existing conduits will be utilized, any deviation will require approval by the government.

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75. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

Availability of additional network equipment will be coordinated through the station OI&T to minimize downtime during cut over.

76. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

Plenum cable must be used in plenum spaces and can be used in risers, Riser cable can be used as long as it does not cross into a plenum space.

77. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? No, conduit must meet specification requirements

78. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm, that all existing conduit stubs for data communications are 3/4".

Conduit stubs were assumed to be ¾ inch throughout the campus.

79. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm existing locations where 1/2" conduits need to be replaced.

Conduit stubs were assumed to be ¾ inch throughout the campus.

80. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Yes, the VA will be coordinating with vendors for outages, the contractor will be responsible for assisting with cut overs.

81. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide floor to finish ceiling heights and floor to structure heights for each building.

The contractor shall assume typical deck heights of 10 to 12 feet from finished floor.

82. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

Currently our existing buildings do not have roof warranties. New Buildings (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, &

75) have roof warranties.

83. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please confirm all CAT6A-CMP cable shall be tested to 10G ANSI performance installed on this project.

Testing of cable will be in accordance with specifications and contract documents.

84. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Road Closures. Are there road or lane closure restrictions during open cut trenching for installation of telecom ductbank?

All closures and restrictions will be planned and coordinated with the government prior to work starting. The contractor shall schedule appropriately to prevent project delay.

85. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government provide onsite utility locates? Surveys will be performed by the contractor as outlined in specification 26 05 41 section 3.2 paragraph B.

86. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can you provide current site utility maps showing below grade system by type and documented locations?

Surveys will be performed by the contractor as outlined in specification 26 05 41 section 3.2 paragraph B.

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87. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will telecom ductbank be allowed to deviate the plan route in the design concept noted in drawings C100-105?

All deviations will be presented to and approved by the government for approval with justification of route change.

88. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can the government provide us with plan details for the retaining wall system used at the North end of Building [2]3 servicing the large parking lot for Building 57?

See Retaining Wall attachments, Building 23

89. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will concrete pavement replacement require dowelling into adjacent surfaces?

Concrete will require dowelling pending its as built construction. Further information can be provided once GPR study is complete and route is confirmed.

90. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide loading dock concrete driveway pavement details for Building 01, East side toward the river.

Further information can be provided once GPR study is complete and route is confirmed.

91. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please provide any utilities in Building 01 loading dock pavement and approaching drive lanes.

See question 85

92. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Telecomm ductbank route that is programmed to follow the steel rod fence line behind Building 75 will involve removal of trees. Will these trees need to be replaced at the conclusion of work in these areas?

Yes, all trees removed will be replaced, deviation from path can be submitted for approval by the government.

93. 3-10-23 3-28-23 What is the requirement for turf restoration? There is no specification for this.

Blue/fescue Season Mix from Midwest Turf.

(Sod Attachments) Please see SOD attachment for turf restoration requirements

94. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government allow multiple TR locations to be worked on simultaneously to ensure timely project completion?

Per general specifications all simultaneous work will be approved by the VA during scheduling by building.

95. 3-10-23 3-28-23 We were not able to walk all locations for new or renovated TR locations. Please provide a list of wall type materials used at each TR room on the plans such as metal stud and drywall, clay tile glazed brick, plaster, etc…

No, any modification to walls will be replaced with metal stud and gypsum walls, to be finished to match adjacent existing walls in TR rooms and corridors.

96. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government provide paint colors for common corridors to the awardee?

Yes, a standard wall paint will be provided to the contractor.

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97. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government provide flooring products from its attic stock for floor patches at new or renovated door openings?

No, for bidding purposes the contractor shall assume patch and repair of floors will be best match approved by the government.

98. 3-10-23 3-28-23 There are seismic wall brackets throughout many buildings comprised of square steel tube channel mounted just below the ceilings or high on interior office walls. Can this material be removed and not replaced during construction of new door openings?

Square tube bracing may be removed without re-installation where needed for new doorways to be installed.

99. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Building 03, Room 025 , the new door size will not work due to existing fire protection mains in the corridor are too low. Will the government allow a shorter door height?

The government does not take exception to this proposal, official deviation request will be provided at time of construction.

100. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will government FF&E be removed from rooms being converted into TR’s prior to being turned over to the Contractor?

The contractor is responsible for removal of all furniture.

101. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will we be allowed to work normal business hours in new TR locations except for loud noise such as core drilling, etc…?

See question 31. Exceptions to this schedule will be approved by the Government on a building-by-building basis.

102. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Please clarify what level ICRA program we are to develop for cable work in corridors during cable pulls and cable trays installations?

All administrative buildings can be a B status with work being conducted at night. Patient care and sensitive areas need to have the use of HEPPA carts with drilling activities conducted with a dust collection device and vacuum attached. All cable pulling will need to be conducted through a ceiling tile with brush pass through. All removal of cabling needs to be pulled and bagged into a HEPPA cart.

103. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Can we work in multiple buildings at one time for installation and removal of low voltage cables?

See question 94

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104. 3-10-23 3-28-23 How will contractor keys be handled out? Will keys be required to be checked out daily or allowed to have possession for the duration of the project?

VA will typically sign out keys to the Prime Contractor for management through duration of the project.

105. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will TB Tests be required for all tradespersons? All workers will be required to adhere to the specifications published within the contract documents. Any deviation will be approved by the Government.

106. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will key contractor staff be issues flash badges to access secured areas?

No, the station does not provide Flash Badges

107. 3-10-23 3-28-23 What is the process for contractor badging? Contractors shall, schedule a date and time to be fingerprinted and sponsored via the online scheduling portal. If screening is acceptable the contractor will receive a contractor badge.

108. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government provide escort services during required time for cabling and renovations of active Telecomm Rooms? IF so, how will this be coordinated to eliminate downtown for the Contractor?

Yes, the Contractor shall provide appropriate schedules to the government for escort coordination to eliminate risk of delay.

109. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government allow a second site visit? No further site visits, concerning this procurement, will be facilitated.

110. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Will the government remove Spec Section 01 81 13 Sustainable Construction Requirements?

The government does not plan on removing sustainable construction requirements.

111. 3-10-23 3-28-23 Per Spec Section 01 45 00 paragraph 3.4.2, will a CQC Manager having 10+ years of experience specializing in Division 27 activities qualify as CQC Manager?

The contractor shall adhere to all specified qualifications and submit resumes to the COR in accordance to the specification.

112. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference drawing 18M-102: room 213 at 18-AC-3-213, the refrigeration piping is noted to be installed at floor level and there is a doorway into CORRIDOR H202. Is this correct or is it intended to be ran at high level? What elevation is the new evaporator to be installed?

The refrigeration piping should be installed high on the wall above the door. The evaporator shall be installed approximately 12” above the door opening.

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113. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference drawing 23M-101: room 121 demo floor plan.

Note that the sink is being demolished – removed. The sink waste is to become the receptacle for the new AC condensate drain and references “indirect drain for sink” detail M501 which is detail 1. The sink is being removed so the tail piece method will not be correct. Should we install a 1-1/2” PVC solvent weld P-trap with a 2” x 1- 1/2” increaser/reducer on the trap inlet and provide a indirect connection? How will this trap be primed during the heating mode? There are several areas where this occurs. Please clarify what we are supposed to include in our estimate.

The existing sink waste line can be adapted to be an open hub by adding a P-trap and approximately 6” of vertical piping for AC condensation receptacle. No need for a trap primer as the unit is expected to be in cooling mode year-round.

114. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference drawing M501: detail 9 condenser unit roof support. Would the Quick Sling Support be considered a VA approved substitute? Quick Sling data sheets attached for review / approval.

The proposed Quick Sling Support product can be submitted thru the shop drawing process and can be approved provided the product can be shown to be seismically rated by the manufacturer and suitable supporting weight loading capacity.

115. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference drawing M501: detail 5 for condensing unit ground mount support detail shows a prefabricated lightweight equipment pad with wedge bolt anchors to have 2-1/2” embedment. The prefabricated pads are 3” thick. This detail will likely result in cracked/broken pads. Can the embedment depth be changed to 1”?

The embedment can be changed to 1-1/2” depth.

116. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference drawing M501: details 9 and 10. There is a call out for 20 gage sheet metal pan to be installed around the refrigerant piping. Can this section of piping be covered with 0.024” / 0.6 mil aluminum pipe jacketing instead?

[It appears this question should be referring to details 5 and 9 (not 10) so the response is adjusted appropriately] Pipe jacketing is not acceptable.

The intent is to cover/conceal the pipes and paint the cover to match the adjacent wall surface coloring scheme as close as possible.

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117. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Are there existing conduits located in the floor/roof slabs?

Most likely there are no conduits embedded in the floor/roof slabs. However, the contractor shall take every precaution to ensure that areas of concrete coring are safe to proceed.

118. 3-15-23 3-28-23 We assume the abatement subcontractor will be responsible for “re-insulation” of all abated piping. We will not be including re-insulation for abatement in our proposal.

This is to be coordinated with the general contractor. Ultimately it will be a requirement of the project to reinsulate piping where existing insulation containing ACM’s is removed. If it is not coordinated appropriately, the mechanical contractor shall be responsible for insulation of piping.

119. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference specification section 23 07 11; 3.4 Pipe Insulation Schedule. None of the refrigerant liquid piping is called out to be insulated, which is typical. However, there will be areas where this piping is exposed to the public and can be hot to the touch. Should the liquid piping be insulated in the exposed areas for personnel protection?

All piping below 7 ft shall be insulated. For exposed vertical piping routed thru floor/ceiling assemblies, insulate both RS and RL for the full vertical length.

120. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Reference specification section 23 08 00 : The VA is providing the Cx Agent. Does the VA have a commissioning schedule we can use to determine Cx assistance manhours?

The A/E will be providing the CxA for this project. Refer to 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements.

121. 3-15-23 3-28-23 Is the basis of design for this project available for viewing?

See attachment Basis of Design