ATTACHMENT 01 Garage IA Technical Questions Tracking Spreadsheet 04172024.pdf

To A&ESOLICITATION # 36C77624B0011 PROJECT NAME: Construct Ambulance Garage Iowa City

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 04/15/2024 04/24/2024 Wondering if there is any new basement to dig? Pg. 1-S3 shows only the existing I believe @ -14' but want to be sure.

No, there is no new basement to dig. The new building addition slab on grade is at 0’-0” per 1-S3.

2. 04/15/2024 04/24/2024 We only found a couple devices mentioned on the 1st Floor technology plan but was unclear what device was needed. I believe it is a small part for sure but want to make sure we don’t miss anything either. Are they only asking for a Code Blue and Code Green to be installed in the Ambulance Garage ? drawing ( 1 T-4 )

Provide as shown on updated floor plan 1-T4.

Provide as shown on 3/1-T6 and scheduled on Technology Equipment Schedule on 1-T7.

3. 04/15/2024 04/24/2024 Usually in the past the Code Green stations fell under the Security part of the job as well and thought we would ask if that should be the case this time as well. Drawing ( 1 T-6 )

No, provide as scheduled.

4. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet?

Refer to Sam.gov and see Amendment 0002

5. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Is this a tax-exempt project? If tax-exempt, will the government provide a tax-exempt certificate to the Prime Contractor for subcontractors and vendors?

Refer to FAR 52.229-3

6. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

In accordance with FAR 52.236-6, at all times during the performance of this contract and until work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall provide a full time Superintendent.

7. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can the Superintendent fulfill multiple roles? If so, can they also fulfill the Quality Control role?

Specification 01 45 00 3.4 states the CQC System Manger is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

8. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can they also fulfill the SSHO role?

Specification 01 35 26 1.7 states the Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention Plan… These Competent Persons can have collateral duties as the subcontractor’s superintendent and/or work crew lead persons as well as fill more than one specialized CP role (i.e. Asbestos, Electrical, Cranes, & Derricks, Demolition, Fall Protection, Fire Safety/Life Safety, Ladder, Rigging, Scaffolds, and Trenches/Excavations). The superintendent for the Prime Contractor cannot fulfill the SSHO role.

9. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 What is/ will be the ICRA Level determination for this Project?

See sheet 1-I6 for ICRA Levels for this project.

10. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Does the VA anticipate this project will require off-hours work? If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hour work

At this time the VA does not anticipate any off-hours work.

11. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 We are looking to propose a Ductile Iron Pile option in place of drilled caissons, as indicated in the plans. Please advise us on what is needed to get the DIP substitution approved by the structural engineer.

Contactors shall bid based on the provided design shown on the plans and in specifications.

12. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Or, ask the structural engineer if we would be able to quote micro piles that will support the 400 kip compression load provided in the drilled pier schedule as a viable alternate.

IMEG will provide individual applied loads at each drilled pier location. Alternate foundation systems requested for substitution will require full detailed drawings and signed and sealed calculations for approval.

13. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can you please verify the drilled pier capacity of 400 kips? These seem high for this small building.

IMEG will provide individual applied loads at each drilled pier location. 400 kips is the capacity of the drilled piers but is not the applied loading at each drilled pier location.

14. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Do you have a Point of Contact for the JCI Representative for your HVAC Direct Digital Controls?

Contacts will be provided after award.

15. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor?

Contacts will be provided after award.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

16. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 The Specifications 10 14 00 (2.5) state that, for the Interior Signs, “Contractor shall Sole-Source contract with ASI Sign Systems, Inc.

for all interior signage, BUILDING STANDARD – NO SUBSTITUTION.” However, this may be incorrect information due to old specifications. They told us they are the sole source for the interior signage as Latitude Signage + Design (formerly ASI Signage Innovations). They left the ASI network approximately one year ago and became a 100% independently owned and operated company.

They are still the same company; it's just a name change, and they are no longer tied to the ASI franchise. Please clarify if ASI Signage Innovations or Latitude Signage + Design is the Sole Source.

Latitude Signage + Design is intended to be the Sole Source

17. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Is the VA able to provide the fire sprinkler as-built drawings?

Sheet 1-F1 shows fire-sprinkler tie-on for the Ambulance Garage. Contactors shall use the drawings and specifications provided for bidding purposes.

18. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 For the dry system tie-in will there be special working hours when piping from the existing space?

All ties are expected to take place during normal business hours

19. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Is space available for an 8’ x 40’ temp office/ storage ground-level office near the temp power source?

Working space and construction perimeter available for storing materials is shown on sheet 1-L2 of the plans.

Because space at the VA is extremely limited, no other construction lay down space will be made available to the contractor.

20. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA provide any additional material specifications for the Trench Drain? 1-A2 shows Trench Drains with a note to see Plumbing drawings. Sheet 1-P4 shows the Trench Drains are TD-1.

The Plumbing Schedule on Sheet 1-P0 shows the TD-1 with the note “refer to Project Specs”. This is all we have. Spec Section 22.13.00:

2.5 FLOOR DRAINS

A. General Data: floor drain shall comply with ASME A112.6.3. A caulking flange, inside gasket, or hubless connection shall be provided for connection to cast iron pipe, screwed or no hub outlets for connection to steel pipe. The drain connection shall be bottom outlet. . .

B. Type Z (FD-Z) trench drain shall comply with ASME A112.6.3. The type Z trench drain shall be suitable for shower thresholds and constructed of Type 304 stainless steel. The stainless-steel slotted grate shall be not less than 100 mm (4 inches) wide with anchor supports, tile edge, bottom outlet and combination membrane flashing collar.

Refer to revised drawing 1-P0 for TD-1 specification information.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

21. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA consider waiving the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) requirement for structural steel fabrication and/or erection for this project? This requirement makes steel procurement on the project exponentially more difficult to obtain.

No

22. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Are any AISC substitute certifications acceptable in lieu of AISC certification?

23. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can contractors work a four (4) ten-hour days schedule?

Working hours are 0730 to 1600 (7:30am to 4:00pm) Monday through Friday. Work outside normal VA business hours must be approved by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Contractor shall give notice to CO or COR one week prior to requested start of work outside normal business hours.

24. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 In the event of a schedule slip, will weekend work be allowed?

See answer to question 23.

25. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will COVID screening be required?

The COVID-19 OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard is still in effect for Healthcare. Contractors are required to self-screen before each workday and each shift.

If a contractor has COVID symptoms, they are required to notify their supervisor, who shall then notify the COR.

26. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA consider waiving the annual influenza vaccine requirement?

27. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA consider waiving the Tuberculosis Screening?

28. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Is there a Planting Plan or Planting Schedule for the landscaping?

Planting schedule can be found on Sheet 1-L8 of the site drawings.

29. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Sheet 1-L5 keynote #8 shows a new Communication vault. Sheet 1- L5 shows detail #4 for the vault. This vault is not on sheet 1-E2, we will need more information if this vault is needed. Is there conduit in and out of the vault? Is there an electrical feed for the lighting and outlets?

Refer to 4/1-T5 for manhole detail.

Refer to updated technology sheet 4/1-T5.

30. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can our superintendent dual hat as Sup and Quality Control or Safety?

See answers to Questions 7 & 8

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

31. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Can our superintendent triple hat as Sup, QC, and SSHO?

32. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Is this project tax-exempt. If yes, Will the VA provide a tax-exempt certificate?

Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes:

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. The Government has determined that for this acquisition it cannot take advantage of any sales or use tax exemptions that may be available to it under applicable state law. Under no circumstances will any Contractor be designated as an agent of the Government for purposes of any tax exemption, nor will the Government authorize any Contractor’s use of any tax exemption directly applicable to the Government under this procurement.

33. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 How does the Women’s Clinic construction affect our project site?

There is currently an overlap in the expected construction period for the Woman’s Clinic and the Ambulance Garage.

Contractors shall work with the VA to coordinate access and space requirements as needed.

34. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 How does the road work that will be taking place on Newton Road affect our project site?

The VA does not foresee any conflicts at this time with the Newton Road Construction project.

35. 04/16/2024 04/24/2024 Drawings show to relocate communication lines, does the VA know what types of lines those are? Do they serve the entire hospital or just portions, and if so, what portions?

Refer to updated technology sheet 4/1-T5.

36. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Keynote #2 on sheet 1-L3 calls for concrete sidewalk and references detail B-6/1-L6. Detail #6 on sheet 1-L6 has two concrete sidewalk sections. Detail A is for 4” sidewalk and Detail B is for 8” concrete.

Can the VA please clarify what sections of concrete sidewalk are 4” and which sections are to be 8”?

The 8-inch sidewalk is located as shown on 1-L3 in the dark hatch (grid B-6).

37. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 On past projects at the IA City VA provisions were made in the structural steel for future vertical expansion, it did not appear on the plan that any allowance was made for such future expansion. Can the VA please confirm that there is no intent to have the steel designed to accommodate future vertical expansion of this building?

Building addition was not planned for future vertical expansion.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

38. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 On some projects submittal exchange is provided for the project by The VA. It does not appear to specify if we will be required to use Submittal Exchange on this project. Can the VA verify if we are required to use Submittal Exchange or if the VA is providing any online submittal platform for this project?

Contractor shall provide a web based construction document management service at their own expense.

39. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Specification section 01 35 26 requires the Prime Contractor to provide an SSHO for the project and that individual is to be on site any time construction activities are occurring. It is unclear from the specifications if the SSHO may be a dual hat employee that also serves as the Superintendent for the project. Can the VA please clarify if they are requiring separate individuals to perform the role of SSHO and the role of Superintendent?

40. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 It appears that some of the language in specification section 01 45 00 Quality control is boilerplate language that has not been adjusted specifically for this project. Specifically, paragraph 3.4.B outlines the qualifications of the CQC System Manager. The paragraph states that the CQCSM must be a “graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity at construction review with construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract.” Can the VA please provide guidance on what the actual requirements will be for education and experience for the CQCSM on this project?

Refer to the Experience Matrix in section 01 45 00 3.4 for specific experience requirements.

41. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Paragraph 3.4.B of 01 45 00 Quality control also states that the CQCSM can also have duties as the project superintendent. Can the VA please clarify that one individual can perform both of these duties on this project?

42. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Will the VA be issuing state of Iowa sales tax exempt forms on this project?

CO

43. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Alternate #2 deletes 4” concrete sidewalk and subgrade prep but doesn’t specify which sections of sidewalk should be deleted in this alternate. Can the VA please illustrate the sections of sidewalk that are to be deleted if this alternate is accepted?

If alternate #2 is accepted, omit construction of concrete sidewalk that follows the west side of drive lane beginning near Newton Road and ending at existing stair. Provide sod.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

44. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Alternate #4 removes all landscape vegetation improvements, but does not specify what condition those areas are to be left in. Can the VA please clarify what the finished condition of the areas shown to be landscaped is to be if alternate #4 is accepted?

If alternate #4 is accepted, all disturbed areas should be sod.

Any damage to existing plantings should be replace in-kind to match existing conditions.

45. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Alternate #5 reduces the height of the parapet wall and adds tie-offs as OSHA requirement for equipment maintenance. We could not find information on type/quantity/location of tie-offs to be included. Can the VA please provide information on the type, quantity, and location of tie-offs needed if this alternate is accepted?

Product detail, installation, and data submittal required for delegated design item; one roof anchor post to be install within 12 inches of walkway pad. Post shall not interfere with operation of ladder or mechanical equipment.

46. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Alternate #7 deletes the gypsum board ceiling and adds drywall furring around beams. Should we include painting the exposed structure in the costs for this alternate?

If alternate #8 is accepted, paint bottom of roof deck and furring as visible with removal of gypsum board ceiling.

Furring is intended to encase structure where spray applied fire proofing is required.

47. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 A.3 Price/Cost Schedule from the solicitation includes a “Grand Total” at the bottom. Given that the price schedule is set up with cascading deducts, it is unclear what should go in the grand total line. Can the VA please clarify what they are looking for in regards to a grand total?

The Grand total is the grand total of the base bid item.

48. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 The table of contents in the specifications include section 07 24 00 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, but in reviewing the specifications it appears that section is not present. Can the VA clarify if this section should be accounted for in the bid?

Omit 07 24 00 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. See Update to Bid Documents. EIFS patch and repair of vent occurred in previous project.

49. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 The table of contents in the specifications include section 12 48 13 – Entrance Floor Mats and Frames, but in reviewing the specifications it appears that section is not present. Can the VA clarify if this section should be accounted for in the bid?

Omit 12 48 13 Entrance Floor Mats and Frames. See Update to Bid Documents. EFM at Entry Vestibule to be Walk Off Carpet Tile.

50. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Specification Section 01 45 00 – Can the Superintendent be the CQC Manager on this project?

51. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Specification Section 01 35 26 – Can the Superintendent be the

SSHO?

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

52. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Drawing 1-L6 Temporary Barricade Legend says upgrade to 1 hour rated partition when directed by the VA, When and for how long will this need temporary plastic sheeting need to be 1 hour rated?

If construction activities within identified rooms increases from Type B to Type C and becomes longer duration creating moderate dust, a 1-hour fire rated construction UL design U419 gypsum board on metal stud framing will be required.

53. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 FL9 Audiology Tuck Connection – 1-A2 – VA please provide information on what will be provided so the contractor can include proper installation costs.

The connection is a 240 volt custom plug and will be provided by the VA.

54. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Division 5 – Will AISC certification be required for fabrication and erectors or just fabrication on this project?

AISC certification will be required for fabrication and erectors

55. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Bollards – Can bolt down bollards be installed inside the building?

Product detail and data submittal required to deviate from design; bolt-down bollards likely will not be acceptable due to thickness of baseplate and exposed fasteners creating a tripping hazard for staff assisting non-ambulatory patients.

56. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Price Schedule - Do we need to provide divisional breakdowns for base bid and alternates?

Refer to page 9, Bid Package Contents

57. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Price Schedule -Do we need to provide a grand total or does each alternate need to be priced separately?

Refer to page 7, #4 – Bidders must provide a lump sum for each of the Line Items. See Page 9, Bid Package Contents (c).

58. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Price Schedule- Are these deductive alternates?

Yes as indicated by “delete” or “reduced”

59. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Are there any blast resistance requirements for this project?

Refer to drawings and specs for requirements.

60. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 01 35 26 – 15 - Will a CSHT be required to conduct monthly site safety inspections?

Yes

61. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 Plan page 1-L6 Detail 11 specifies joint sealer the conforms to ASTM D 1850 which calls out cold-applied sealant. Section 32 05 23 – 1 of the specs also call out boiled linseed oil mixture for treatment of pcc.

will hot pour tar sealant and water based white pigment curing compound (IDOT approved) be allowed for external paving?

There is no detail for CD baskets in the 8” paving. Will the 8” paving/ 8” sidewalk have CD baskets?

Joint sealants per plans and specs.

Curing compound per plans and specs.

Slip ends for dowels are means and methods.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

62. 04/24/2024 01 00 00 General Requirements; 1.22 Photo Documentation – Please confirm that a commercial photographer is required for this contract or can the progress photos be taken, and submitted digitally, by the prime contractor superintendent.

The prime superintendent mat be utilized in place of a commercial photographer

63. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 01 35 26 Safety; SSHO – Please confirm the SSHO duties can be fulfilled by the prime contractor’s superintendent/CQC Manager or is a separate individual required to fulfil the SSHO duties?

64. 04/17/2024 04/24/2024 The structural drawings identify trench footing grade beams to transition from deep foundations to the building construction, the architectural drawings show modified bituminous sheet damproofing on the exterior face of the same grade beams. This is a conflict in construction means. It appears from the architectural drawings that they are expecting the grade beams to be excavated, formed, and backfilled as opposed to trench footings as shown in the structural drawings. Constructing this building in the method required by the architectural plans will add significant cost to this aspect of the project. Can the VA please clarify if they are looking for trench formed grade beams as indicated on detail 6/S5 or are we meant to excavate/form/backfill the grade beams which will allow for the damproofing?

See Update to Bid Documents. Specification section 03 30 00 Cast-in-place concrete specifies formwork to be used.

There are no trench footings on the project.

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