Attachment 19 - Technical Questions and Answers.xlsx

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36C77623R0039 - Y1DZ - New Mental Health Building Phase 2 Minor Construction - Providence, RI
Solicitation number
36C77623R0039
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This document contains technical questions and answers related to a federal solicitation for construction services. The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to award a firm-fixed-price contract to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for a Construct Mental Health Phase 2 project at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island. The project scope includes general construction, site work, finishes, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, security, and other work per construction documents to build a new mental health building. The response date for questions was extended to April 12, 2023 to allow offerors additional time for preparation. Clarification was provided on existing conditions, scope details, and responsible parties for incumbent maintenance contractors.

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File Type Posted
36C77623R0039 0002.pdf PDF
Attachment 18 - Addendum 01.pdf PDF
Attachment 24 - Sheet P-001.pdf PDF
Attachment 23 - MDP Panel Info.pdf PDF
Attachment 20 - Updated Wage Rates.pdf PDF
Attachment 21 - CR211 Panel Info.pdf PDF
Attachment 22 - Fire Alarm As-Builts.pdf PDF
S02 - Solicitation - 36C77623R0039_R1.pdf PDF
Attachment 17 - Site Visit Sign in Sheet.pdf PDF
36C77623R0039 0001.pdf PDF
Attachment 08 - Fire Protection Drawings.pdf PDF
Attachment 03 - Architectural Drawings - Pt 1.pdf PDF
Attachment 12 - Limitations on Subcontracting - Construction.docx DOCX document
Attachment 04 - Architectural Drawings - Pt 2.pdf PDF
Attachment 02 - Specifications - Pt 2.pdf PDF
Attachment 15 - Providence County - Wage Rates.pdf PDF
Attachment 11 - Structural Drawings.pdf PDF
Attachment 14 - VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 Updated 12-14-2021.docx DOCX document
Attachment 16 - SOW - Mental Health Phase 2.pdf PDF
Attachment 05 - Civil Drawings.pdf PDF
S02 - Solicitation - 36C77623R0039.pdf PDF
Attachment 01 - Specifications - Pt 1.pdf PDF
Attachment 07 - Electrical Drawings - Pt 2.pdf PDF
Attachment 10 - Plumbing Drawings.pdf PDF
Attachment 13 - Contractor Safety - Environmental Form.docx DOCX document
Attachment 06 - Electrical Drawings - Pt 1.pdf PDF
Attachment 09 - Mechanical Drawings.pdf PDF
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Sheet1

VAMC Providence, RI
New Mental Health Building Phase 2
Project Number: 650-347
Solicitation Number: 36C77623R0039
Submitted RFI Questions:
Item #RFI #Question:Date Received:Responsible Party:Question:Final VA Response:
1113/6/23AG / WBRCDrawing P0001 appears to be missing from the issued set of drawings. Please provide this drawing.Please see attached sheet P-001
2123/6/23VAReference SF1442 Block 13a. This project is bidding on the same as another large project on the Providence VA campus that we are bidding. Please postpone this project a minimum of 1 week to allow both ourselves and our subcontractors to effectively and efficiently work on this project independently.The RFP due date has been extended to 4/12/23
3133/6/23VAAre there any liquidated damages for this project?There are no liquidated damages for this project.
4143/6/23VAReference Attachment 14 VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19, section 1.a, subsections 1) and 2). Since we now know that even though a person may be vaccinated, they can still contract and transmit the virus, is this supplemental requirement still applicable to this project?This requirement is still applicable to the project.
5153/6/23VAWill the VA provide a Form CERT-134 to the awarded contractor for sales tax exemptions?The state of Rhode Island provides a tax exemption certificate for contractors. The VA however, will not be providing this form as there is no input required from the VA in order to apply for this exemption. It is the responsibility of prospective offerors to take advantage of this exemption on their own volition. The VA further directs offerors to submit pricing without taxes included.
6163/6/23VAUnder Part 4.9 Clauses Incorporated by Reference, please include / add FAR Clause 52.216-4 for Economic Price Adjustment for Labor & Materials due to the current economic climate.The resultant contract shall will be firm-fixed-price. There will be no economic price adjustments due to market conditions/economic climate.
7173/6/23VAIt appears that the most up-to-date wage determination in the system is RI20230001 dated 02/03/2023. Will this be issued in an amendment, or should we just continue to use the wage determination issued in original solicitation documents?Updated wage rates will be provided.
8183/6/23VA / WBRCReference spec section 01 35 26, 1.7.C. where it states “the SSHO has (to) be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.” Reference also spec section 01 45 00, 3.2.A.1. where it states “Include a CQC System Manager that reports to the project superintendent.” Is it the intention for this project that it be required to have full time on-site a minimum of three (3) dedicated personnel; 1) Project Superintendent 2) QC Manager 3) SSHO, or can the Project Superintendent and QC Manager be dual hat / dual role?The Project Superintendent can also serve as the Quality Control Manager. The SSHO shall have no additional roles.
9193/6/23WBRCReference sheet AE604, Door Schedule, Door 046C. The Type of door is shown as SS. The designation of SS is for material, not type of door. From viewing the elevation on sheet AE201, should the Type of door be “F”?Correct, door 046C should be a type 'F' door as shown on the exterior elevation.
101103/6/23WRBCReference sheet AE604, Door Schedule, Door 046C. The Material for both the frame and door is shown as HM. Is this correct since the Type door is shown as SS (which appears to be a mistake and should be labeled F), or should the material for both the door and frame be SS?Both the door and frame for door 046C are correctly listed as HM.
111113/6/23AGReference Contract Drawings T-101, TN101-TN104, T-401, & T-801 and Specification Sections 27 05 11, 27 11 00, & 27 15 00. Based on the referenced drawings the telecommunication system is an extension of the existing telecommunication system. The referenced specifications are based on the installation of a new telecommunication system which involves VA Central Office Special Communications Team (0050P2H3) along with a separate Telecommunications COR assigned by VACO for equipment and system approvals and coordination. Please confirm that this project only involves the extension of the existing telecommunication infrastructure as shown on the drawings and NOT the installation of an entirely new system.Confirmed that this is only an extension of the existing telecommunication infrastructure as shown on the drawings and NOT the installation of an entirely new system.
121123/6/23AGReference Contract Drawing TA101-TA-104, & T-601 (details C6 & F4), Contract Drawing TN-101-TN-10, and Specification Section 27 53 19. Based on the referenced drawings the distributed radio antenna system is an extension of the existing In-Building Public Safety Radio System and Public Address System as detailed on the contract drawings. The referenced specifications are based on the installation of a new public address system which involves VA Central Office Special Communications Team (0050P2H3) for approvals and system certification. Please confirm that this project only involves the extension of the existing telecommunication infrastructure as detailed for the “In-Building Public Safety Radio System” along with the required interfacing to the fire alarm system as shown on the drawings and NOT the installation of an entirely new system.Confirmed that this project only involves the extension of the existing telecommunication infrastructure as detailed for the “In-Building Public Safety Radio System” along with the required interfacing to the fire alarm system as shown on the drawings and NOT the installation of an entirely new system.
131133/6/23AGReference Contract Drawings TN-101-TN103, and T-601 (Detail F6), Nurse Call System Expansion and Interconnection. Please provide a specification section for the Nurse Call System.Section to be provided as part of Addendum 01
141143/6/23AG/VA/WBRC/JLReference Contract Drawings E-002 (note 26), T-401 (notes 12, 20, 22, 25, & detail F5 T-601 (Detail C4) and Specification Section 28 23 00. Please answer the following:
a.Can you provide a floor plan noting camera locations and types of cameras?
b.Can you provide as-built drawings for the existing CCTV system that is currently used by the facility?
c.Can you verify that this is an extension of the existing system and not a completely new system with all the devices noted in the specification?
d.provide information on the existing system (submittals, manufacture, maintenance company, installation company, etc.)Contract drawings show camera locations and basis-of-design camera models. Campus-wide as-builts do not exist. This is an extension of the existing system.
151153/6/23AG/VA/WBRC/JLReference Contract Drawing E-002, and Specification Section 28 16 00. The specifications note that the system shall be designed, installed, and programmed.
a.Can you provide a drawing showing the areas that are to be covered by the Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
b.Can you provide a description of how this system interfaces with the CCTV system, Physical Access Control System, and Electronic Personal Protection System (EPPS)?
c.Can you advise on the location for the central monitoring station and if the new system is to be interfaced with an existing IDS or EPPS system?
d.If we are to interface with an existing system, can you provide as-built drawings and information on the system, i.e., manufacture, submittal info, service and installation company, etc?Contract drawings show locations for new devices. IDS does not interface with CCTV or EPPS. As shown on the drawings, IDS inputs route thru the JCI PACS controllers and continue thru the campus network. Contract drawings show how new equipment connects to existing system.
161163/6/23AG/VA/WBRC/JLReference Contract Drawing T-401 (note 2), Specification Sections 28 13 00, and 08 71 00. The specifications indicate both the extension of an existing access control system and details all the components, software, hardware, and interfacing requirements for the various electronic safety and security systems specified in Division 28.
a.Please clarify if this is just an extension of an existing access control system or a completely new system.
b.If the system is an existing system, please provide a single line drawing for the existing system and information on the existing system, i.e., manufacture, submittal info, service and installation company, etc.This project extends CCTV, IDS, and PACS systems. A campus-wide as-built does not exist.
171173/6/23VAReference Contract Drawings FA001 (fire alarm system overview), and Specification Section 28 31 00.
a.Can you provide an as-built drawing for the existing fire alarm system?
b.Can you provide information on the available spaces within the fire alarm panel to add additional inputs/outputs and information on the current amplifier loading for the voice system and messaging capacity available for adding Phase II to the existing system?Attachment provided labeled "Fire Alarm As-Builts"
181183/6/23VAReference Specification Section 23 09 23. Can you provide an as-built single line drawing for the existing Johnson Controls Metasys DDC control system?Unable to locate
191193/6/23VA/WBRCReference Specification Sections 01 00 00, and 02 82 11. Does this project include any asbestos containing materials or is any asbestos testing required?Please see spec section 02 82 11, Section 1.1.2.1. Project does not include any known asbestos containing materials or any testing requirements. Specification has been provided to detail requirements if something is found during the project that is not expected. If any hazardous materials are found during construction, notify the COR.
201203/6/23VAReference Specification Section 23 25 00. Can you provide information on the company who is currently providing the water treatment chemicals for the closed loop systems, i.e., chiller water and heating water system?Barclay
211213/6/23VAReference Contract Drawing E-601. Can you provide a copy of the shop drawings for existing MDP and existing CR211 so we can verify the breakers noted can be installed in the existing distribution?Attached PDF's labeled CR211 Panel Info and MDP Panel Info
221223/6/23VAReference Instructions, Conditions, and Other Statement to Offerors, 2.8 Proposal Requirements, Part C.1 Factor 1 Specialized Experience and Part F Evaluation Methodology. Please verify and confirm that the Specialized Experience must be that of the “Offeror”, and cannot be that of a teaming partner or of a major subcontractor in order for the offerors proposal to be deemed acceptable.Experience of partners or subcontractors can be used in lieu of or to supplement a prime contactor's experience. The proposed expereince of the entire team will be evaluated.
231233/6/23VAReference Bid schedule, Line Item 3 a. description cuts off at grid. Please specify which grid.The language of the bid schedule was incomplete and should read: "Remove (3) storefront windows, associated window shades and

solid surface sills, and brick inset along CMU wall at grid 2-2. CMU to be continuous at elevation where windows and brick are removed."

241243/6/23VAReference Bid schedule, Line Item 3 e. description cuts off at Type. Please specify which door type is to replace types G and FG.This item should continue as type F flush doors. This is laid out in Spec 01 00 00 - 3 part B. Deduct Alternate, subpart 2e which reads "Replace all glazed interior door types G and FG with Type F flush doors."
251253/6/23VA / WBRCReference Bid Schedule, Line Item 006. Bid schedule state ” Remove all interior partitions (including walls, wall finishes, power and data), plumbing fixtures, accessories and doors from rooms: 207 and 208. Exterior walls to receive GWB, wall base, power and data as shown. All floors and ceilings to remain. Please confirm light fixture, HVAC, and life safety systems are to remain.Confirmed
261263/6/23AGReference drawing Sheets TA101 and TA102. Please confirm if the existing Nurse call panel has the space for added devices. Otherwise the main station may have to change if it does not have enough space for these add-on devices.Terminal cabinet is included as part of the design for additional devices to be added to system.
271273/6/23VAPlease postpone the bid date a minimum of two weeks. Our team and subcontractors are stretched thin already bidding the MRI project. As small businesses our estimating resources are limited and there’s a better chance for competitive competition if the bid dates are staggered.The RFP due date has been extended to 4/12/23
281283/6/23VAPlease postpone the due date for RFIs as we have been unable to get feedback from all of our subcontractors and suppliers to meet the current deadline.No further extension will be given for RFIs
29213/7/23WBRCIs MEL-ROL ® Rolled, Self-Adhering Waterproofing Membrane is acceptable for use?Waterproofing membrane must meet the requirements of specification 07 13 52. This is a non proprietary specification and any product may be submitted which meets all of the requirements.
30213/8/23VAPlease postpone the due date for RFIs as we have been unable to get feedback from all our subcontractors and suppliers to meet the current deadline.No further extension will be given for RFIs
31223/8/23VAPlease postpone the proposal response date by two weeks. We are unable to get commitments from all of our subcontractors and suppliers to meet the current deadline.The RFP due date has been extended to 4/12/23
32233/8/23VAReference 2.8 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS | B. Proposal Format: | 2. Volume I Technical: Offerors | b. where it states "A page is defined as each face of an 8.5 X 11-inch sheet of paper with 1-inch margins around the page perimeter containing information. Note, submission of the project schedule only, can be submitted by utilizing larger paper (11 X 17 inch). All information (except for document numbers, page numbers, etc.) shall be provided in an image area of 7 X 9 inches." Using 1" margins all around would generate an image area of 6.5" x 9". Based the image area of 7x9, should the correct margins be 1" top/bottom and .75" left/right?6.5 x 9 w/ 1-inch margins. (7 x 9 was a typographical mistake)
33243/8/23VAItem (k) Experience Modification Rate: (6) states that “This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers…”. Please confirm that the prospective prime contractors are not responsible for submitting EMR documentation for their subcontractors at the time of bidding this IFB.Subcontractor EMR information is not required. * This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers, and prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors.
34253/8/23VAAttachment 08, Contractor Safety and Environmental Record Evaluation Form, contains the following Solicitation Number “36C77622R0061”. Please confirm that the VA wants prospective prime contractors to use this form.Attachment 08 - is listed as "Fire Protection Drawings." The VA does not recognize the referenced RFP number 36C77622R0061.
35263/8/23VAPage 10 of 6, 2.3 SDVOSB SET-ASIDE states “All Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses must be listed as “verified” by the VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprises (CVE) http://www.vetbiz.gov. Offerors must be verified by CVE and visible in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database at TIME OF SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS AND TIME OF AWARD.” Please note that effective January 1, 2023, Section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 transferred responsibility for VOSB and SDVOSB certification from the VA to SBA. Although our CVE verification is still active, does the government want a copy of our SBA VetCert record showing we are listed as a certified SDVOSB in the new system submit in addition to the CVE verification?Yes.
36273/8/23VAPage 11 of 65, 2.a. states “The offer, including title page, detailed table of contents, preface shall be submitted in one (1) PDF document…” Please provide a description of what the government expects to be included in a “preface”.A preface is not required.
37283/8/23VAItem (k) Experience Modification Rate: (6) states that “This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers…”. Please confirm that the prospective prime contractors are not responsible for submitting EMR documentation for their subcontractors at the time of bidding this RFP.Subcontractor EMR information is not required. * This requirement is applicable to all subcontracting tiers, and prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors.
38293/8/23AG/WBRCIs this civil/concrete work to be omitted under Line Item 5 in the area of Chiller 3?
No, this civil/concrete work is part of the base bid. This civil/concrete work should include removals, ground improvements, earthwork, gravels, concrete pad/wall/stair and handrail. The size of the pad shall be coordinated with the architect and VA representatives prior to ordering any materials and beginning any work.
392103/8/23AG/WBRCReference Sheet CU101, are the highlighted UE duct banks to be demoed as represented by the hatch?No, the existing UE duct banks are to remain (disregard the "diamond hatch"). The contractor is responsible to protect the existing duct bank throfughout the construction duration. Revised sheet will be issued as part of Addendum 01.
40313/8/23VAAre the existing elevators allowed to be used for construction material access?No.
41323/8/23WBRCReference CD101 note to remove existing drain manhole and existing 12” HDPE storm drain. This appears to handle the majority of site stormwater runoff. How should this water be handled between demo of existing and installation of new?Construction means and methods are the responsibility of the contractor. Contractor shall be responsible for managing stormwater flows on-site and managing erosion and sedimentation controls as dictated by local, state, and federal requirements. This may require bypass pumping of wet-weather and/or dry-weather flows up-slope of New DMH #3 to the plunge pool on-site.
42333/8/23WBRCReference CP101 and CG101 concerning the new chiller pad #3. Confirm pathways allowed, or how equipment can access the area for work associated with this new chiller pad. From the site visit, it appears this area is not accessible directly and may require a crane to lift materials and equipment over the side of the building or hill. Please clarify.Construction means and methods are the responsibility of the contractor and operations costs associated with Chiller 3 should be incorporated in the appropriate alternative bid line item, which could include a utilizing a crane.
43343/8/23WBRCCU101 shows new NSD connecting at the existing drain manhole in front of the existing building and going through the new building. Please provide a profile of how this pipe should be routed.Refer to Sheet SB-300 (Typical Foundation Details) for detail requirements for "typical opening in wall or slab".
44353/8/23WBRCReference AE103 Note 4 where it states, “Remove existing precast base”. This note is on a new roof. Please clarify.Note 4 should read, "ROOF DRAIN, SEE PLUMBING DRAWINGS"
45363/8/23WBRCFrom the site visit, the existing metal wall panels do not appear to be a standard color. Are the existing metal wall panels a custom colored panel and will any replacement panel work that is required have to match existing panels? If so, please provide information on existing panels.See sheet AD201. Design intent is to salvage and re-use existing ACM metal panels rather than provide new panels. This has been reviewed with the metal panel fabricator as achievable. If the contractor chooses to provide new panels instead, new panels much be an exact color match to the existing and come at no additional cost to the VA. Variations in color or material will not be accepted. The existing metal panels are a custom color to match the United Enertch Louver Color 'Terra Cotta'. Based on the 10/3/2022 close out documents these are a PVDF-2 Coat Mission Red panel with a 10 yr warranty (Alucobond sales order # 270068). It is the A/E's understanding that there may be limitations on availability of this panel when bought in small batches and would suggest re-use of the existing panels as noted in the contract document. If panels are damaged or unable to be use, replacements must be provided. ACM metal panel material itself is the AMNA AM2000 Dry Joint Rainscreen system, 4mm Alucobond ACM (FR Core) with 1/2" joints to match panels.
46373/8/23VAPlease provide contacts for the following existing vendors:
a.Access controls
b.Fire alarm maintainer
c.CCTV security system
JCI is the incumbent maintenance contractor for PACS and IDS. FSI is the incumbent maintenance contractor for the Fire Alarm system. Shanix is the incumbent maintenance contractor for CCTV
47413/14/23WBRCAfter reviewing the plans, the specifications for the overhead coiling fire shutter 08 33 44 do not meet the fire ratings required for the Code for the application shown on LS102. The project is being built under NFPA 101. Per 8.3.3.2.1 Fire protection rating shall comply with NFPA 252, UL10B. Per Table 8.3.3. 2 Minimum fire rating Hour stairway and exit stairs (1) hour fire door assembly in accordance with UL10B. UL10D is not equal to UL10B as it does not include the hose stream test. Please confirm if fire door is to be quoted in accordance with UL10B or UL10D.The overhead coiling fire curtains are to provide exposure protection for the windows installed on the exterior wall of the stair in accordance with NFPA 101 section 7.2.2.5.2. Per the code, it is required to be listed for the 1 hour in accordance with one of the following:
•NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
•NFPA 257, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies
•ANSI/UL 10B, Standard for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
•ANSI/UL 10C, Standard for Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
•ANSI/UL 9, Standard for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies
•ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
•ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.

We believe the smoke guard product meets the intent of the code by providing exposure protection to the exit stair. The UL 10D listing ensures the curtain has to remain in a vertical opening during a predetermined test exposure. The window is not required to prevent the passage of fire and is not expected to be subject to the hose stream. Therefore, in our opinion, the use of the submitted smoke guard provides equivalent protection to the prescriptive requirements in the code and with approval of the AHJ should be recognized as being in compliance with this Code per NFPA 101 section 1.4.

48423/14/23AGPlease provide the following information regarding the DAS System:
a.Code (with year)
b.Local ordinances that are stricter than code.
c.Frequencies.
d.Survivability.
i.If required, we need what methods are approved.
ii.We need to know locations of 2-hour rooms, risers, or locations we can build soffits.
e.Sign off from FCC License Holders.
i.TDI for simulcast systems.
ii.Towers to use for donor system. Locations are fantastic, so it can be mapped out.
f.EPO (Emergency Power Off) – This is a California requirement, that is making its way across country.
g.Testing requirements (DAQ testing) for both initial and final.
i.Will we be provided radios and channels to test on by departments?Refer to specification section 27 53 19, Part 1, Section 1.2. The design of the DAS system is to be a delegated design provided by the contractor. Construction drawings show proposed locations of major pieces of equipment for space allocation purposes. A general riser diagram is provided as a guide for cost estimating.
49513/21/23VAAn onsite storage area or nearby staging area to work from daily is required. Please confirm one will be provided.There will be limited access within the site. This tight construction site will leave little room for material storage, requiring just-in-time delivery. The combination of a tight site and access from one of the four sides of the construction site will make for a difficult formation of site utilization plans. Trucks staging or queuing at or in the vicinity of the job site i.e., concrete pours and off-loading will require coordination with the VA Project Manager and the City of Providence (Wolcott Street parking lane and sidewalk closure). The Contractor’s site layout shall optimize erection processes. An off-site staging area for delivery trucks to wait until directed to proceed to the site or for trailers to be dropped until they are needed shall be required. The remote storage area shall be secured by the contractor and all associated costs included in their bid price.

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