S05 - Joliet CBOC - Technical Questions - Updated 041524.pdf

SOLICITATION # 36C77624B0009

PROJECT NAME: 578-371 Expansion of Parking Structure at Joliet CBOC

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

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NO.

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QUESTION

RECEIVED

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QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 03/19/2024 Please refer to electrical plan E603 Motor Schedule in bottom right-hand corner.

The following motors are listed, but I cannot find the actual equipment located on the physical plans-

AHU-1

AHU-2

CHWP-1

CHWP-2

H-1 H-2

RF-1

RF-2

Are the above units supposed to be wired as part of this new bid?

If yes, can you please tell me where they are located.

SDV: These motors were removed from the floor plans as part of Addendum. They are not part of the project and any references can be disregarded.

2. 03/21/2024 Is there a boring report for the site of this project? GID: Yes, this will be provided.

3. 03/21/2024 S103 - Retaining wall plan doesn't show retaining wall in the east island of the parking lot along and north of the sidewalk ramp. C3.0 calls out "Retaining wall Ref:

structural plans". If this wall is to be modular block wall, how are the vertical steps and horizontal setbacks to be addressed as the top of wall grade changes.

SE DMA: In this location, there is a ramp with handrails for access into the easternmost parking area. North of the handrails, there will be a retaining wall since there is a significant grade change between that parking area and the one west of it.

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4. 03/21/2024 What are the rectangular walls/curbs on the southeast corner of the site, east of the retaining wall. They have elevations but no label or detail.

SE DMA: Those walls are intended to be landscape modular walls with the southernmost one requiring a handrail due to its proximity to the building entrance and the significant elevation change. Refer to sheet LS102, Details 10/11/12 regarding RediRock.

5. 03/21/2024 What is the curb/wall next to the sidewalk just southeast of the parking lot. There is not label or detail.

SE DMA: In this location, there is a ramp with handrails for access into the easternmost parking area. North of the handrails, there will be a retaining wall since there is a significant grade change between that parking area and the one west of it. See above, step down using RediRock.

6. 03/21/2024 Details show underdrain pipe along the foundation and concrete retaining walls, but none are shown on the utility or plumbing plans. Are the concrete walls to underdrain pipe and where would it drain.

Question unclear, what detail is being referenced? Refer to C3.0 for site drainage.

7. 03/21/2024 The Landscape and planting plan (LS101) doesn't match the civil plans. Assuming the civil plans are correct. Will there be landscaping going into the parking lot islands that are currently showing concrete.

PRI: It will be turfgrass.

8. 03/21/2024 The landscape plan doesn't show as much block wall west of the building as the civil drawings. Which drawings should we use.

PRI: Use the Civil Drawings.

9. 03/21/2024 The Redi-Rock installation instructions state the minimum installation radius is 14'6" but the plans show smaller radiuses than that. Please advise on how these tight radiuses show be installed. There is not a spec for the Redi-Rock product. Is this the correct product use.

SH PRI: We would recommend contacting the Redi-Rock manufacturer or equal to determine how the tighter/smaller radii can be accommodated. Redi-Rock (or equal) is “supplier/manufacturer” contacted regarding the modular block walls, so yes, it is the correct product.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

10. 03/21/2024 Sheet C3.0 references page C3.1 but we don't have a page C3.1. Are there missing pages in the drawing set?

SE DMA: The Ambulance Bay work has been eliminated from the project scope, so Sheet 2.1 and Sheet C3.1 have been removed from the drawing set per Addendum 3. The reference note was inadvertently left on Sheet C3.0. Please disregard the note.

11. 03/22/2024 Who are the acceptable manufacturers for the electrical panelboards? What is already existing?

SDV: Existing electrical distribution equipment is manufactured by Square D. Use of Square D equipment to maintain existing warranty’s, listings, and coordination is strongly recommended. The contractor shall be required to submit along with shop drawings specific to this installation information for proof of UL Listing, selective coordination, and Available Interrupting Capacity (AIC) Ratings. AIC Ratings of new equipment must be equal to or greater than AIC Ratings of existing equipment when connecting new equipment to it.

12. 03/22/2024 Who is the existing manufacturer for the Fire Alarm system?

Electrical Plan Sheet EP101-S, General Plan Notes #4 at the top right corner of the sheet indicates Edwards System Technology Panel EST-3. Maintain existing UL Listing for Fire Alarm System.

13. 03/25/2024 Is it possible to get on the roof of the building to take a look at it.

Who should be contacted for this, if possible?

Roof access provided during site visits.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

14. 03/25/2024 Would it be possible to stop by this week and take a look at the roof that is going to get replaced on your building?

Roof access provided during site visits.

15. 03/26/2024 The specification sections says unarmed guards with recording equipment are needed to guard construction area during off hours. Please confirm.

This is not a requirement. Contractor is responsible for site security.

16. 03/27/2024 Are there substitutes from manufacturer basis of design allowed on this project? For the aluminum storefront, Kawneer is the basis of design but are proposing substitutes such as Old Castle Building Envelope.

GID: Yes: as long as the proposed system Meets the performance requirements.

Specified. Color & finish to be approved By A/E & VA prior to ordering.

17. 03/30/2024 Regrettably, we missed the opportunity on March 18th due to the simultaneous management of multiple projects, we regrettably did not receive the pertinent information for this project in a timely manner. Please consider rescheduling an additional site visit.

Second site visit was held 4/5/24.

18. 04/01/2024 Division26 - Please advise existing equipment manufacturer/model # for Electrical Riser Equipment show on E603 Detail 2. (i.e. Existing Emergency Substation “E”, Existing ATS-4, Existing DP-QD)

SDV: Existing electrical distribution equipment is manufactured by Square D. Use of Square D equipment to maintain existing warranty’s, listings, and coordination is strongly recommended. The contractor is required to submit along with shop drawings specific to this installation information for proof of UL Listing, selective coordination, and Available Interrupting Capacity (AIC) Ratings. AIC Ratings of new equipment must be equal to or greater than AIC Ratings of existing equipment when connecting new equipment to it.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

19. 04/01/2024 Division 26 - New XFRM-QD1 Transformer, New Panelboards DP-QD1 & RP-QD1 are shown on E603, no Spec Book was included. Please provide missing specifications for the Transformers and Panelboards.

SDV: The equipment is also shown on EP101-N.

See attached specifications.

20. 04/01/2024 Division 28 - Please advise if there is an Existing Fire Alarm Maintenance Contractor for this facility.

Yes – Joliet CBOC has a Fire Alarm Maintenance contract with OPTIMUM.

21. 04/01/2024 Division 28 - Please advise if there is an existing Security Maintenance Contractor for this facility. The Drawings only mention “Galaxy Integrator”, please confirm the existing Security System is Galaxy Access Control by Galaxy Controls Systems.

Correction: The existing Physical Access Control System (PACS) is “LenelS2 OnGuard Enterprise access control system” and the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is Bosch. The PACS host server for Joliet CBOC is located at Hines Medical Center in Hines, Illinois and is serviced by eNorman.

22. 04/01/2024 Is this project tax exempt? If so, will a certificate be provided?

Please see page 47-48 of the solicitation under 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES - Special Notes.

Notwithstanding FAR 52.229-3, all bids received in response to this solicitation are presumed to reflect this tax exemption, and therefore should not include Illinois’ Retailer’s Occupation Tax or Use Tax on sales of materials for incorporation into VA real estate under this contract.

Yes, a certificate will be provided to the successful bidder.

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23. 04/01/2024 Please confirm the following drawings will be released via addendum, as they do not seem to have been released in the initial drawing set.

o C2.1 o C3.1 o ATT-4 is a broken PDF, and all drawings within are unreadable.

SE DMA: The Ambulance Bay work has been eliminated from the project scope, so Sheet C2.1 and Sheet C3.1 have been removed from the drawing set and associated notes are no longer applicable.

ATT-4 issue has been corrected.

24. 04/01/2024 Please confirm if there are any utilities existing underneath the existing structure.

SE DMA: Sheet C1.1 Topographic Survey does not show any utilities under the building footprint.

25. 04/01/2024 Please confirm if a geotechnical report is available for review.

GID: Yes, see attached report.

26. 04/01/2024 Please confirm if we are to resurface and restripe lots A- E.

SE DMA: Yes, that is correct.

27. 04/01/2024 Is free onsite parking available for subcontractors throughout the project duration?

Contractors may park and laydown on the grass North of the government parking West of Walnut St; See Attachment 1) Joliet CBOC Aerial Site Plan – demolished area West of Walnut Street. Contractor is responsible for repairing/seeding the site when complete.

28. 04/01/2024 Can the General Contractors’ Site Superintendent also serve as Safety and Health Officer, Competent Person, and CQC System Manager concurrently? If so, please confirm which combination is acceptable. Spec 01 35 26 1.7, 01 45 00 3.4.

Site superintendent may serve as the SHO and competent person, but not CQC Manager. No single person can fill all three roles.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

29. 04/01/2024 Could the hard copy delivery of the proposal submission be waived? Due to the bidding process, Subcontractors hold their prices until a couple hours and sometimes minutes before the bid is due. This requires the GC to finish assembling their bid right before it is turned in.

With the Hard copy requirement, we are forced to handwrite the self-performance calculation sheet. All other Government Agencies that we work for have moved to accepting emailed proposal.

Please see page 8 of the solicitation, 2.8 BID

SUBMISSION.

Submit bids via email to kelly.han@va.gov and maria.rodeffer@va.gov

30. 04/01/2024 Could this proposal be delivered by Email? If email proposals will be acceptable who shall be the recipient(s)?

Please see page 8 of the solicitation, 2.8 BID

SUBMISSION.

Submit bids via email to kelly.han@va.gov and maria.rodeffer@va.gov.

31. 04/01/2024 Please advise if Submittal Register is a requirement for this project, if not, is there a software that the VA would like the contractor to implement for this project.

GID: Submittal Register is a requirements.

Procore or Submittal Exchange web based construction management software, as approved by the VA.

32. 04/01/2024 According to sections 01 32 16.15 – 1.2 and 1.3, the contractor is to designate an authorized representative who is responsible in creating the project schedule. Can this representative be an individual in-house to the prime contractor and not from an outside source or consultant?

GID: The prime contractor can use an in-house individual to create and maintain the project schedule.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

33. 04/01/2024 Please clarify desired insulation R-Values. Specifications, 2.1, B., 1. says "Overall average R-Value: RSI-57 (R-39), minimum". Roof plans AE 102N and AE 102S, under Note #2 states "...Minimum R-39 continuous value".

GID: Use an overall (average) insulation value of R-39.

34. 04/01/2024 Please provide a detail for the infill of deck at the curbs designated as abandoned.

GID: Retain the existing roof curb and cap.

Inspect the existing curb for any damage and repair as necessary for water tightness. Re-flash & seal existing curb & seal the cap.

35. 04/01/2024 Please clarify the vapor barrier materials. Section 07 22 00 2.5, C. lists a self-adhered vapor barrier but 3.4, B.

says 2 plies of asphalt saturated felt in hot asphalt.

GID: Vapor barrier is to be self-adhered.

However, please also see item #36 below.

Confirm compatibility of new vapor barrier with existing vapor barrier system.

36. 04/01/2024 Roof has an existing vapor barrier applied directly to the concrete deck in hot asphalt. What is the expectation on removal of the existing vapor barrier?

GID: Generally, it is expected that the existing vapor barrier on roof to remain. Existing roof vapor barrier must be inspected for damage: any areas that are damaged need to be repaired using a compatible system. Confirm if existing vapor barrier & and required repairs will meet roof system warranty requirements.

37. 04/01/2024 Would pre-manufactured copings and gravel stops be acceptable? This material would be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. The only difference between what is specified and pre-manufactured is the length of the pieces which is 12 feet.

GID: This is acceptable as long as there is no impact on cost or schedule. Color & Finish of proposed product to be approved by A/E & VA prior to ordering.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

38. 04/02/2024 Will the VA be supplying the emergency call boxes

(4) for the parking areas?

If not, can you answer whether I am to pursue quotes for the Talk-a-Phone units detailed on sheet E503 (attached) or the CASE Emergency Systems tower call box (which was bought by Knightscope) mentioned in the division 28 specifications (attached).

Contractor to furnish and install all call boxes. To be CASE Emergency Systems tower call box or equal.

39. 04/04/2024 The basis of design for the elevator is Otis, however after talking with them they said they cannot meet the specifications as they are written.

This was their response:

This is not uncommon whereby Otis is “specified” but then the division 14 specifications incorporate other federal publications to which we can’t comply with as it relates to the materials & installation of the elevator system.

Outside of the federal requirements, the division 14 specifications have too many differences from our product. The division14 specifications require certain gauge metals, wire sizes, paint types, materials, connection fittings, etc… which we do not offer.

Please advise on what the VA is looking for and which manufacturer you would like to be quoted.

COR requesting additional clarification. For bidding purposes, use the Basis of Design.

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40. 04/10/2024 Per the plans, the façade is reconstructed from roughly column line 1x (west side) to column line 15x (east side).

There is CMU masonry that needs to be built per the architectural drawings between CL 1x and 10x, however there is no reference to this west side of the structure on the structural plans. All of the information provided on S100N begins at column line 10x.

Where are the CMU walls to the west of CL 10x? How are they reinforced.

Refer to drawings S100N and S012. S012 has all the structural details. All the 8” infill CMU west of column line 13X is covered on these two sheets. CMU is not structural, only infill.

41. 4/5/24 Prevailing Wages Contractor shall use prevailing wage for all trades listed in the DBA Wage Determination attached to the solicitation.

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