Attachment 22 - Technical Questions and Responses - SPS North Chicago.pdf

Pre-Bid Technical Questions / RFI Log

Pre-Bid Technical Questions / Request for Information (RFI) Log Solicitation: 36C77624B0018 30-Jul-2024 VHA Project: 556-402 Expand Sterile Processing Services [Construction]

# Question Response 1 Regarding the bid for Lovell FHCC expansion of SPS, the specs (05-12-

003) call for the steel fabricator to be AISC certified. Will this requirement be waived?

No, not without justification. This is standard VA Master Spec language. Steel fabricator and installer shall be AISC certified. Follow requirements in Specifications.

[RFI's 1 and 68 are related.]

2 I am contacting you about the two air compressors listed in the schedule. I think these compressors are missing dryers and regulators. I can send you some cut sheets with recommendations if that would help. We have supplied a lot of compressors and vacuum systems to this facility. [Vendor sent a sample cutsheet of an EMSE Corporation

DUPLEX MEDICAL SCROLL AIR

PLANT STACK MOUNTED WITH

DESICCANT DRYERS, 2 - 7.5 HP,

Model 3DOHS5S80D (5HP).]

Medical Air compressor setup not required. Air compressor package shall be supplied as per capacities listed in drawing schedules.

3 000000 – General: Please confirm that the owner is applying and paying for the building permit.

A local building permit is not required.

Solicitation Atch 12 - Specs V1.

01 41 00 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.

I. Local Codes: "As an agency of the federal government, VA is not subject to local imposition of code enforcement procedures such as drawing reviews, building permits, inspections, fees, etc."

Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents and obtain other types of permits where required.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 1 / 22

# Question Response 4 000000 – General: Please confirm that alternate 4 should be priced as combining all previous alternates costs together or if it should be priced as Items 1 and 2 within the alternate as indicated.

Combine as described herein. Pricing each deduct alternate builds upon the earlier ones so that the total price should include the base bid CLIN 0001 work plus cost adjustments related to removing, adding, or modifying work as described through each successive deduct alternate leading up to and including the one in question.

Per the price schedule on page 7 of the Solicitation:

“Line Item 0005, Deduct Alternate No. 4: All work identified in Line Items 0001, 0002, 0003, and 0004 but further removes the following…”

Also see the Contract Documents, such as drawings GI103, GI104, and each discipline, for more details on the Base Bid and Deduct Alternates.

[RFI's 4 and 76 are related.]

5 000000 – General: Please confirm the expected mobilization date for scheduling purposes.

- This job could be exposed to considerable winter conditions depending on the timeline of qualifying general contractors and the contracting period, which is why the above is requested.

Mobilization date will be confirmed after all requirements as described in the Contract Documents are met. As an example, if the Notice to Proceed date is 1 Sep 2024 and the schedule in the SOW is maintained, then Mobilization can occur 144 calendar days later on

6 000000 – General: Please confirm there are no scheduled allowances from the owner.

There are no schedule allowances. Follow requirements in the Statement of Work and other Contract Documents.

Any changes to schedule must be justified and only the Contracting Officer may change the contractual scope or schedule, which shall be in writing.

7 000000 – General: Please confirm there are no liquidated damages.

There are no liquidated damages.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 2 / 22

8 000000 – General: Please confirm we are not to price dewatering or any mass soil export of contaminated soils per the geotechnical report.

Price what is needed to deliver the project per Contract Document requirements. For example, Solicitation Atch 11, Reports: Geotechnical Subsurface Investigation. "minor dewatering systems, such as pumping from prepared sumps" may be needed.

Solicitation Atch 12, Spec V2.

Sec 31 20 00. PART 3 - EXECUTION.

3.2 EXCAVATION. B. "Excavation Drainage: ... Operate

dewatering system continuously until construction work below existing water levels is complete. Submit performance records weekly..."

9 000000 – General: Please confirm if any CAD’s will be available for review during the bidding process.

PDF files of construction documents have been provided. CAD files may be provided after award.

10 000000 – General: Please confirm if there are any contracts being directly contracted by the owner we will need to coordinate with.

Government Owner contracted agents may include the Architect/Engineer, Commissioning Agent, equipment vendor/installer, and others. Construction contractor shall coordinate with these parties as needed or required, with the VA Contracting Officer Representative (COR) copied on all such correspondence.

11 000000 – General: Please confirm this project will not be BIM coordinated.

The 100% Construction Drawings and Specifications provided for this Solicitation are the primary record of the design intent, not the BIM model.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, which do include other BIM-related requirements such as:

The Specs mention in several sections that "As-built drawings are to be provided, with a copy of them in three dimensional Building Information Modeling (BIM) software version provided on CD or DVD."

Specs 01 91 00 GENERAL COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS, PART 1 - General. 1.13 Submittals.

I. Data for Commissioning:

2. "The Commissioning Agent may request further documentation as is necessary for the commissioning process or to support other VA data collection requirements, including Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBIE), Building Information Modeling (BIM), etc."

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 3 / 22

12 000000 – General: Please confirm the delegated design will be limited to the structural cold formed framing and seismic supports for MEP’s.

No, other delegated designs are required, as indicated throughout the Contract Documents.

13 000000 – General: Please confirm if we should schedule downtime between phases.

Contractor and VA work can proceed in parallel if properly coordinated and deconflicted; however, allow downtime during the 90 calendar days (in Phase 3 listed in the SOW) when VA will be installing some equipment into the newly constructed addition, and moving from the existing SPS space.

14 000000 – General: Please confirm if a construction clean is acceptable, or if a “final clean” will be expected. In our experience, we will do a construction clean, and EVS will come by for a terminal clean.

VA Environmental Management Services does terminal cleans after the contractor cleans at times, but that does not alleviate the contractor from its own cleaning requirements.

Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents, including Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements. For example:

Solicitation p. 37, GENERAL CONDITIONS

4.3 52.211-10 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION,

AND COMPLETION OF WORK (APR 1984)

ALTERNATE I (APR 1984).

"The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises."

15 000000 – General: Please confirm if the area during construction will be phased due to active hospital activities during construction.

Yes. See Phasing Plan in Construction Documents, such as Drawing GI101 and other disciplines, for areas of construction for each phase. Note that hospital and SPS activities will be occurring in adjacent spaces during construction.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 4 / 22

16 000000 – General: Please confirm if we should price any off hours work due to noise concerns.

- Additionally, please detail what should be priced on off hours.

[RFI's 16 and 60 are related.] See Contract Documents, including but not limited to Statement of Work, Construction Drawings, and Specifications to determine what what should be scheduled off-hours. Examples include but are not limited to:

Specs Sec. 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls , Part 1, 1.4 Submittals, F. "Reduction of Noise:

Minimize noise using every action possible. Perform noise-producing work in less sensitive hours of the day or week as directed by the COR."

Specs Sec. 01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements states "...Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours."

SOW Part 6, Sec. 3, D. "Any work including and not limited to noise, vibration, dust, odors, core drilling, hammer-drilling, saw cutting, equipment moving in public corridors, soil compaction shall be performed during the above-designated work hours only."

SOW Part 6, Sec 4. B. "Shutdown work shall be during low patient times and performed between Saturday 6 PM through midnight concluding by 6 PM on the following Sunday."

17 051000 – Steel: Please confirm there are no deep foundations, helical, or piles necessary to complete this project.

See response to Inquiry #22.

18 064000 – Millwork: Please confirm there are no direct source vendors for the cabinetry/casework/millwork portions.

Comply with the sections of Division 12 in addition to the JSN Equipment Cut Sheets as a basis-of-design for casework and countertop requirements. Provide products of a single manufacturer for parts which are alike.

19 21000 - Fire Protection: Please confirm if a new fire pump will be needed for extending the fire service.

Refer to the fire suppression drawings and the existing feed locations that are downstream of the existing fire pump discharge.

20 32-0000 – Civil: Please confirm if there is a geotechnical report.

Yes. See Solicitation Attachment 11 - Reports.

21 32-0000 – Civil: Please confirm if there are any contaminated or unsuitable soils.

See Solicitation Attachment 11 - Reports.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 5 / 22

22 32-0000 – Civil: Please confirm if there are any requirements for deep or specialty foundation supports for the extended structure.

There are no deep foundations for the New SPS Addition. New Drilled Shafts are required as indicated on F6/SB1PB.1. Removal of said Drilled Shafts is required as indicated on Sheet SD100.3. There are post-tensioned tie-backs anchoring the existing wall into the existing soil as indicated on Sheet SB1PB.1. Permanent Underpinning of the existing ductbank is required as indicated on Sheet SB1PB.2. Temporary bracing of existing structures as indicated on Drawings shall be provided by the Contractor (delegated design), and may use Deep Foundations and/or Specialty Foundations.

23 32-0000 – Civil: Please confirm the landscape portion will not be a part of our contract.

See Contract Documents, which include site work.

For example, Drawing SP100 Site Plan Phase I, includes new landscape.

Spec 01 00 00 General Requirements, 1.10 Restoration, requires repairing disturbed work such as the lawn.

24 264100 Facility Lightning Protection Specifications for Lightning Protection were included in Volume 2. Is lightning protection needed on this project?

Yes, extend the existing lightning protection system onto the new addition.

25 Are you thinking (2) 5hp pumps per duplex package? Or is this a 5hp package? Do we need an air dryer as well? Is this NFPA 99?

Basis of design has two 5 horse power pumps per air compressor package capable to deliver 30.4 scfm per package. There will be a total of two packages required to deliver oil-free air. Air dryer is not required. Air compressor are not NFPA 99 type.

26 Resinous flooring manufacturer and installer and would like to become an approved equal per the resinous coating specifications. What information would you need.

See Sections 09 67 23.30, 09 67 23.50 & 09 67 23.60 for manufacturer and installer requirements.

27 Sterilization equipment

- It is understood that new equipment is being supplied and set by VA -- Is final hook up responsibility of awarded contractor?

- Or Will the existing equipment be -- Re-used -- If so --- Is disconnection and reconnection of existing equipment responsibility of awarded contractor --- Moved by VA or the awarded contractor?

See Construction Documents, such as drawing QH601 Equipment JSN Schedules. Final hookup for Government furnished and installed equipment (VV) is the responsibility of the VA and/or its separate vendor.

Reused equipment (R) will be disconnected and reconnected by VA and/or its separate vendor.

These efforts rely on the construction contractor to install utilities with related stub-outs, outlets, interfaces, and/or clearances as shown in the Contact Documents and coordinated with the VA and AE to enable final hookups.

[RFI's 27 & 50 are related.]

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 6 / 22

28 Please confirm the Commissioning

Agent (CxA) will be contracted by the

VA.

Yes, the VA will contract with a Commissioning Agent (CxA).

29 Please confirm the Contractor is responsible to have a Commissioning Manager (CxM).

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. Specification 01 91 00, Part 1., Sec. 1.10. A. requires that the Contractor shall assign a Commissioning Manager to manage commissioning activities of the Contractor and subcontractors.

30 Please confirm if contaminated soils are encounter, a change order will be issued to the contractor to properly haul and dispose of contaminated soils.

Per the Statement of Work, Part 5, Sec. 4.H., notify the COR if asbestos is noticed or suspected in the area of work. The Contracting Officer will determine what contracting action, if any, to pursue. This may include but not be limited to contracting with a third party or issuing a change order to remedy the situation.

31 Please confirm the Superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO, or any other role on the project.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation.

For example, Spec 01 35 26, Sec. 1.7 "Site Safety and Health Officer" (SSHO) and "Competent Person" (CP) states in part:

"A. ... the SSHO, and Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager, must be separate persons Following Award, and depending on the qualifications and demonstrated competency of GC site management, VA may be open to allowing the general contractor superintendent to act as the SSHO - conditional on retaining the right for the COR, CSO, or CO to summarily and immediately revoke the privilege as a result of observed performance deficiencies. While this is not guaranteed, in no case shall VA accept assignment of site management personnel to multiple projects concurrently. (52.236-6)" ...

"D. ... 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."

32 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, Superintendent, or any other role on the project.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. The SSHO, and Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager, must be separate persons.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 7 / 22

33 Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO, Superintendent or any other role on the project.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. The SSHO, and Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager, must be separate persons. Unless there is a prohibition (such as previously mentioned) listed, then certain duties may be shared by the same person as long as requirements for all duties are met. [RFI 33 and x are related.]

34 A Spray Fire Proofing and Intumescent Fire Protection are provided in the Volume 1 specification book. Please confirm the steel locations that are to receive Intumescent Fire Proofing. The scope is not clearly defined.

Building addition is designed to match Type I-A construction. Primary structural elements as referenced in the structural details (Sheet SF502) shall receive Intumescent coating as indicated.

35 Please confirm that all firestopping must installed by a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

FM 4991 and UL Qualified installers are part of the specification and directly referenced in Section 07 84 00.

36 Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

Reference Spec Section 01 45 35 Paragraph 1.3

37 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.

FM 4991 and UL Qualified installers are part of the specification and directly referenced in Section 07 84 00.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 8 / 22

38 Please confirm the contractor will have a location available for a Trailer and Laydown area for the project. If this is available please confirm where this location will be in relation to the project site

After award, VA, AE, and Contractor will coordinate on a laydown / staging area that balances support to construction activities (such as a trailer and laydown area) while minimizing impacts to safety and VA operations.

See requirements such as Site-Specific Requirements in Contract Documents and SOW.

For example, SOW Part 6 and Spec 01 40 00 Quality Requirements, Quality Assurance Sec 4. require a Mobilization Plan.

Specs Sec 01 00 00 General Requirements, Sec. "1.7

ALTERATIONS

A. Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the COR of areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both, to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list by rooms and spaces: ...

4. Shall designate areas for working space, materials storage and routes of access to areas within buildings where alterations occur and which have been agreed upon by Contractor and COR."

39 Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

Parking is available but must be coordinated.

SOW Part 6, Sec. 6.B. notes that Contractor shall recommend parking areas in Mobilization Plan. See other parking requirements and restrictions in Specifications.

40 Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award?

VA will provide a state sales tax exemption letter to the contractor after award. Reference Solicitation Attachment 18, Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3:

Federal, State and Local Taxes.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 9 / 22

41 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.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. For example, see Specs 28 23 00 Video Surveillance, Sec. 1.4 Quality Assurance, F. Contractor Qualification.

42 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.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation.

43 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation.

44 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

See Solicitation Section "2.21 52.225-12 NOTICE OF

BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT— CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS UNDER TRADE AGREEMENTS (MAY

2014)"

45 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

09 29 00, 3.5.A - "Use level 4 finish for all finished areas open to public view."

46 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

Riser cabling can be installed in non-plenum spaces ceilings.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 10 / 22

47 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents.

For example, Spec 26 05 33 RACEWAY AND BOXES

FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS,

PART 2 - PRODUCTS, 2.1 MATERIAL, B. Conduit:

5. Flexible Metal Conduit: "Shall conform to UL 1."

48 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Coordinate surveys with advanced notice with the COR to ensure VA staffing is available to support.

49 Please confirm if the new equipment listed on Q601 that are government furnish government installed have been procured and is on order?

Government Furnished equipment will be procured in coordination with construction phasing. Some of it has been ordered and some not yet.

50 Please confirm the contractor should only include cost for Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Connections to the equipment and the contractor will not be required to unload and move the equipment into place.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. For example, see drawing QH601 Equipment JSN Schedules . Contractor is responsible for Contractor Furnished and Installed (CC) equipment, including moving. Government will move Government furnished and installed equipment (VV) and Reused (R) equipment.

[RFI's 27 & 50 are related.]

51 Please confirm the mock-up is required to be a stand-alone wall area and this mock-up should not be incorporated into the overall of the construction of the facility.

Yes, this is the intent.

52 Please confirm that one mock-up wall panel can be utilized for the required masonry conditions, window assembly, Trellis (T-1), and elastomeric joint sealants.

Yes, this is the intent.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 11 / 22

53 Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras?

Or will the VA be providing that?

Contractor is required to provide licensing for each camera installed per Contract Documents. Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. For example:

Spec. Sec. 28 05 00 Common Work Results for Electronic Safety and Security .

Part 1 - General. 1.1 Description.

C. "… The Contractor shall secure and pay for plan check fees, permits, other fees, and licenses necessary for the execution of work as applicable for the project. ..."

Spec. Sec. 28 23 00 Video Surveillance .

Part 2 - Products.

2.3 DIGITAL BASED VIDEO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

D. Server Modules. "2. Flexible multi-site, multi-server license structure charged per camera." ...

R. Licensing Structure.

3. Camera License. "a. To connect to a camera, a Device License per camera channel is required"

54 Please confirm if the contractor include a 5% allowance for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings.

Adhere to requirements of the Contract Documents.

55 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.

Per page 10 of the solicitation, under 2.3 SDVOSB Set- Aside: “This procurement is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns. Offers received from other than SDVOSBs will not be considered.

Offerors must be certified as SDVOSBs, under NAICS:

236220 and PSC: Y1DA, by the U.S.

Small Business Administration (SBA) and visible in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database (https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/) at the time of bid submission and time of award.”

Per page 12 of the Solicitation under 2.8 B (I) – Notice to SDVOSB Joint Venture/Mentor Protegee: “Any offeror submitting a bid as a joint venture must provide a certification from each SDVOSB joint partner, signed by an authorized official of each partner to the joint venture, stating that the parties to the joint venture (1) have entered into a joint venture agreement that fully complies with paragraph (c) of 13 CFR § 128.402 and (2) will perform the contract in compliance with the joint venture agreement. Failure to submit the certification with the offeror’s bid, shall deem the bid non-responsive.”

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 12 / 22

56 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.

Per page 12 of the Solicitation under 2.8 B (I) – Notice to SDVOSB Joint Venture/Mentor Protegee: “Any offeror submitting a bid as a joint venture must provide a certification from each SDVOSB joint partner, signed by an authorized official of each partner to the joint venture, stating that the parties to the joint venture (1) have entered into a joint venture agreement that fully complies with paragraph (c) of 13 CFR § 128.402 and (2) will perform the contract in compliance with the joint venture agreement. Failure to submit the certification with the offeror’s bid, shall deem the bid non-responsive.”

57 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.

Per page 12 of the Solicitation under 2.8 B (I) – Notice to SDVOSB Joint Venture/Mentor Protegee: “Any offeror submitting a bid as a joint venture must provide a certification from each SDVOSB joint partner, signed by an authorized official of each partner to the joint venture, stating that the parties to the joint venture (1) have entered into a joint venture agreement that fully complies with paragraph (c) of 13 CFR § 128.402 and (2) will perform the contract in compliance with the joint venture agreement. Failure to submit the certification with the offeror’s bid, shall deem the bid non-responsive.”

58 Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation.

"Off hours" are hours outside of "normal construction work hours" as defined in the SOW. Note specific requirements in Contract Documents and SOW.

Coordinate with COR to request variations in hours.

59 Please confirm the normal working hours of this contract are to be assumed as normal working hours; 7:00 am-5:00 pm

See Contract Documents and SOW. For example, SOW Part 6: Site-Specific Requirements, Sec. 3.

"Normal construction work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday.

A. Normal work hours can be modified only by written approval of the COR, and at no additional cost to VA."

Contractors often do request and receive approval for slightly different normal work hours.

60 Please confirm if there are any requirements to work off hours and define those definable features of work that the Facility or COR will require the contractor to work during off hours.

See Contract Documents, including but not limited to Statement of Work, Construction Drawings, and Specifications to determine what what should be scheduled off-hours. For example, Specs Sec. 01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements states "...Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours."

[RFI's 16 and 60 are related.]

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 13 / 22

61 Section 01 00 00 general requirements

“alterations includes that the GC will provide a thorough survey of areas in which work is to be done with the COR and VA representative in attendance”.

Please confirm that the VA staff will schedule and have the time to do these surveys without delaying the contractor as these thorough surveys are extremely time-consuming.

Coordinate surveys with advanced notice with the COR to ensure VA staffing is available to support. Adhere to Contract Documents. For example, SOW Part 4, 1. B.

Kickoff Meeting Documentation: 4) e. "Include all expected utility system shutdowns, road closures, crane lifts, and off-hours work in the CPM schedule."

62 Please confirm per section 01 00 00 that contractor is to provide a commercial photographer/subcontractor with 3 years’ experience and that indexing/navigation will use AutoCAD drawings to be interactive online. Typically this has been waived on most other VA projects as most facilities do not have the capabilities to utilize AutoCAD.

Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents, such as:

Spec. 01 00 00 General Requirements - General - 1.28 Photographic Documentation. B. 2. "...For all documentation referenced herein, indexing and navigation must be organized by both time (date stamped) and location throughout the project."

COR will allow for contractor to designate some one with photographer duties, regardless of years of experience, as long as COR judges that other Photographic Documentation requirements are met satisfactorily; if not, then COR reserves right to reject photos and require another person be designated.

COR interprets that it is allowable that posting photos on a submittal exchange or similar system will satisfy the requirement for "accessible on-line through use of an internet connection".

The requirement remains for a professional photographer (which COR interprets runs such a business indicated by business website) as noted in Spec 01 00 00, 1.29 FINAL ELEVATION DIGITAL

IMAGES.

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 14 / 22

63 Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

Provide one or more photos with daily reports for each day work occurs onsite. Adhere to Contract Documents, such as:

SOW Part 4: Meetings, Submittals, and Deliverables: 3.

Daily Reports:

"A. The Contractor shall provide a Daily Report each day, along with accompanying digital photos and other supporting documents C. The report must be accompanied by relevant time and date-stamped photos of construction progress of sufficient quantity and detail to enable viewers to clearly see the progress of all work to-date, all issues discovered (including those which become the subject of RFI’s). ..."

Spec 01 00 00 General Requirements.

1.28 Photographic Documentation.

"1. ...provide photographic documentation of construction progress and at selected milestones ...

Coordinate specific requirements with VA Security and Contracting Officers Representative." COR interprets minimal interval to be at the end of each Phase listed in the POP table in the SOW.

"5. Construction progress for all trades shall be tracked at predetermined intervals, but not less than once every thirty (30) calendar days (“Progressions”)."

64 Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

COR Note: 2023 RFI response:

Photodocument progress of work, including but not limited to condition of what will be behind walls and ceilings before close-in. Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, such as those listed in the response to RFI 63 and:

Spec 01 00 00 General Requirements.

1.28 Photographic Documentation.

"1. During the construction period through completion, provide photographic documentation of construction progress..."

"B. 3. ... capture actual conditions throughout construction and at critical milestones. ..."

FILE: Solicitation 36C77624B0018 (556-402 Expand SPS - Construction) RFI Log 30JUL24.xlsx PAGE: 15 / 22

65 Please confirm that contractor is to provide online hosting, security measures and redundant server back-up of the photographic documentation for the duration of the project.

Adhere to requirements in SOW and Contract Documents, such as in Spec. 01 00 00 General Requirements - General -

1.28 Photographic Documentation.

COR interprets that it is allowable that posting photos on a submittal exchange or similar system will satisfy the requirement for "accessible on-line through use of an internet connection".

66 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.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. Unless there is a prohibition listed, then certain duties may be shared by the same person as long as requirements for all duties are met.

[RFI 33 and 66 are related.]

67 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.

Adhere to requirements listed in Contract Documents, Statement of Work and Solicitation. Unless there is a prohibition listed then Quality Control and photographer responsibilities may be shared by the same person as long as requirements for both are met.

68 Please consider waiving the requirement for AISC certification for steel erection or steel fabrication. There is a very limited subcontractor pool who are both an AISC Streel Erector and Fabricator within the areas.

No, not without justification. This is standard VA Master Spec language. Steel fabricator and installer shall be AISC certified. Follow requirements in Specifications.

[RFI's 1 and 68 are related.]

69 Please confirm the General Contractor is to have a separate and direct contract with the DDC Contractor and the Systems Integrator.

Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents. For example, SOW Part 6, Sec 17. "...the contractor shall provide fully functional complete systems, including the following sole source procurements... Building Automation - Automated Logic Company of Chicago ..."

Unless otherwise required or prohibited, the GC or subcontractor, such as mechanical, may hire the building automation subcontractor.

70 Spec Section 25 10 10 Advanced Utility Metering System is referenced multiple times in the specification book but no spec is provided, please provide this specification

Delete reference to section 25 10 10 Advanced Utility Metering System from specifications.

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71 Please confirm the Testing Laboratory qualified person is sufficient on-site during earthwork and excavation operations as outlined in spec section 01 45 29.

Adhere to requirements of the Contract Documents. For example, see Spec 31 20 00 EARTHWORK, and:

Spec 01 45 29 TESTING LABORATORY SERVICES.

PART 1 - GENERAL. 1.1 DESCRIPTION:

"This section specifies materials testing activities and inspection services required during project construction to be provided by a Testing Laboratory retained by the General Contractor."

PART 3 - EXECUTION. 3.1 EARTHWORK:

A. General: "The Testing Laboratory shall provide qualified personnel,...to perform the services identified..."

related to earthwork.

72 Please confirm who is responsible for the cost of additional excavation and import where unsuitable soils are found?

Unsuitable soil locations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis post contract award during construction.

Unsuitable soil locations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis post contract award during construction. Only the Contracting Officer can approve a change in contractual cost, schedule or scope.

Solicitation Attachment 11 Reports contains a Geotechnical Report to help inform bids.

Sec 4.3 notes that "...actual subsoil conditions at a site could vary from those generalized on the basis of test borings made at specific locations."

Solicitation Atch 13, Specs V2.

31 20 00 EARTHWORK

PART 3 - EXECUTION. 3.2 EXCAVATION:

H. Site Earthwork: "Remove subgrade materials that are determined by COR as unsuitable, and replace with acceptable material..."

PART 1 - GENERAL. 1.2 DEFINITIONS:

I. "Authorized additional excavation: ...Removal of unsuitable material and its replacement as directed will be paid on basis of Conditions of the Contract relative to changes in work."

73 Please confirm if Submittal Exchange can be used on this project.

Government will procure Submittal Exchange for the A/E to manage.

74 Please confirm if the POP will not be modified or changed as a result of the additive alternates.

The POP's are shown as maximum days for the entire project even though the deduct alternates would remove some work and logically shorten the needed duration.

The Contractor is free to bid based on shorter durations for its work as it considers will be necessary for them to satisfy requirements of the Contract Documents, except that the duration of Phase 3, which is mostly Government work as shown in the SOW, must remain unchanged.

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75 Please confirm a CLIN divisional line item break down is not required to be submitted at the time of bid submission.

A CLIN divisional line item break down is not required to be submitted at the time of bid submission.

76 Please confirm the each CLIN price line item is a waterfall price and we are to list the total value on each line item, ie the total for CLIN 0002 is the CLIN 0001 plus the deduct for the scope items listed in

CLIN 0002.

Each CLIN price is priced as a total value. Remove, add, or keep work as described for each CLIN. Examples for clarification follow:

CLIN 0002, Deduct Alternate No. 1 is the price of all work identified in CLIN 0001, Base Bid, minus work that is removed as described in CLIN 0002 (but adding new Admin Space BC106).

CLIN 0003, Deduct Alternate No. 2 is the price of all work identified in CLIN 0001, minus work as described in CLIN 0002 (but still including Admin Space BC106) and minus work as described in CLIN 0003.

[RFI's 4 and 76 are related.]

77 On the door schedule openings BD181G, BD004, BD180, and BD180A are called out as HM but on the elevations the openings are called out as WD. Please clarify.

All four doors are planned for Hollow Metal (HM). Please follow the Door Schedule mark - HM.

78 Please confirm where SP-B-U24 is located?

Panel SP-B-U24 is shown on E100.2 and other drawings. It is located in Electrical Room BD163.

79 On page E-200, Keynote 1: Where is panel SP-B-F8 located?

Note on west side of floor plan on sheet E-200 identifies locations of SP-8-F8.This should actually indicate the location of panel SP-B-F8.

80 On Page E1PB.2, Keynote 1 states disconnects/starters provided by manufacturer, and installed by EC for CWP-1 and CWP-2. M600 states by EC.

Please confirm

CWP-1 and CWP-2 should be served by their associated VFD (VFD-CWP-1 and VF-CWP-2) shown on the drawings.

81 On page E101.42, how are the new lights being controlled on this page?

Lights should be controlled by switch and occupancy shown on the drawings.

82 Do the TABs need disconnects? E100.2 key note 3 states provided by mrf, installed by EC on only two of them. Are disconnects needed, and who is to provide?

Connection at the TAB are for temperature controls power for the box, so disconnect is not required.

83 Is lightning protection required? Yes, existing lightning protection system should be extended to the new addition.

84 SP-1 is circuited from QLP-1-G13A. It also has a key note 7 on it stating it should be fed from CP-B-D4. Please clarify.

SP-1 should be served rom QLP-1-G13A

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85 KEYNOTES 1 ON E100.1 INDIATES TO

RE-ROUTE BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING

AND CONDUIT SERVING MEDICAL

AIR COMPRESSORS AROUND NEW

BUILDING. COORDINATE ROUTING

WITH CIVIL PLANS AND GENERAL

CONTRACTOR IN FIELD. PROVIDE

NEW INGRADE PULL BOX. Are we to assume this correlates to CD 100 note 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. What is the size of what needs to be moved?

It is our understanding that this is branch wiring serving oxygen farm. Contractor shall assume that conduit is 1" and contain 7#8 conductors.

86 Hand Dryers are indicated on E100.4 but the equipment schedule on QH601 and the bathroom schedules do not indicate any hand dryers. Please confirm

Follow Requirements of E100.4

87 Please confirm if the post-tension tie-backs will be a permanent condition or if they are only temporary during the course of construction and the contractor will be required to comeback and de-tension and remove them following the completion of the work.

The post-tensioned tie-backs are permanent.

88 If the tie-backs are to be permanent please confirm if they should be treated with a double corrosion protection

Yes, post-tensioned tie-backs shall be properly protected from corrosion in the in situ soils for permanent use, such as double-corrosion protection.

89 Please provide the structural drawings for the east foundation wall. We need to know what reinforcing is in the current wall to coordinate locations and anchoring points for the new tie-backs.

Section D1/SB501 indicates the reinforcing indicated on the Original Design Drawings, but the rebar needs to be field located and avoided to the greatest extent feasible, as noted on Section F1/SB1PB.1.

90 Please confirm none of the existing MEP systems being supported from the slab in Building 133-CA will be removed.

Intent is new structural support avoids existing utilities.

91 Are there an as-built of the existing utilities in the basement of Building 133- CA? This information is needed to properly coordinate how many utilities will need to be removed and replaced to install the tension tie-back system.

Intent is new structural support avoids existing utilities.

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92 If an as-built does not existing, would the government consider including an allowance for utility removal and reinstallation for GC’s to include in their proposal. This would allow all the GCs to carry the same assumption on utility removal and replacement in that area

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation, such as removing utilities as shown and noted. Note that per Specs Sec 01 00 00

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, GENERAL

"1.7 ALTERATIONS

A. Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the COR of areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both, to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list by rooms and spaces: ...

3. 3. Shall note any discrepancies between drawings and existing conditions at site..."

If findings and justifications warrant it, follow-up course of actions may then be considered.

93 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.

Adhere to requirements in the Contract Documents, SOW and Solicitation. For example, Specs Sec.

09 91 00, 3.6.B - "Unless otherwise specified, apply paint in three (3) coats; prime, body, and finish."

09 91 00, 3.10 E - "Except where scheduled for complete painting apply finish coat over plane surface to nearest break in plane, such as corner, reveal, or frame."

94 Please confirm work in common hallways requires use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with hepa vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit.

Follow Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedures as detailed in Contract Documents, SOW, and Solicitation.

For example, Specs Sec. 01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements indicates for Class III and IV requirements: "Complete all critical barriers i.e.

sheetrock, plywood, plastic, to seal area from nonwork area or implement control cube method (cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit) before construction begins. Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours."

Assume Class IV ICRA level overall to protect and separate public areas (like common corridors) from construction areas.

95 Please provide the required layout for the Infection Controls Barriers required on the project.

Follow Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedures as detailed in Contract Documents, SOW, and Solicitation.

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96 Will the Low- Voltage systems be contracted directly by the VA?

• Tele-Data

• Fire Alarm

• Security

• Physical Access Control

• Security Camera monitoring.

If they are not being contracted directly, could you please provide the VA existing provider?

No, VA is not procuring systems listed in this question.

Adhere to requirements in Contract Documents. For example, Solicitation Attachment 1: SOW, Part 6, Sec 16. "Compatible system procurements shall include

Sec 17. "...the contractor shall provide fully functional complete systems, including the following sole source procurements [by the General Contractor with] ... " A. Fire Alarm - Johnson Controls / Simplex B. Building Automation - Automated Logic Company of Chicago C. Proximity card reader & door lock release entry system - eNorman.

97 The electrical one-line E400 has outlined some work to be performed on the existing distribution, can you please provide information for the following.

• Panel LDP-1-F9 calls for a new breaker to be install, can you please provide the manufacture & model number?

• Panel QMDP-1-G3 indicates the bus will need to be tapped o Can you please provide the Panel schedule that will need for the panel shut down?

o Can you please provide the manufacture & model number?

Panel LDP-1-F9 is located in Room 1D-242, is manufactured by GE, and is Cat. No. TJL4V2502.

QMDP-1-G3 is located in Room 1D-233, is manufactured by GE, and is Cat. No. TJL4V2603. Refer to provided photos for additional information.

Contractor should verify this information in the field and during the Submittal process.

98 On Drawing M301 Phase 4, there are Five (5) Steam Unit Heaters Labeled UH- E that have both medium steam and condensate going to them. These are not listed on any schedule. They have no schematic or diagram for them.

Unit heaters are existing and no new piping is required.

99 Two (2) Radiator or Coils shown in the same area again with no listing on a schedule, schematic or diagram. Please provide additional information.

Unit heaters are existing and no new piping is required.

100 There are AHU-3, AHU-4 and AHU-5 that are not listed on a schedule, schematic or diagram. Please confirm if these units are to be repiped as shown on drawing M201.0

AHUs and piping are existing with no piping work required.

101 AHU-15 is shown on a schedule but not listed schematic or diagram regarding piping. Please provide additional information.

M201.2 has AHU piping shown and references the details.

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102 The split system is listed on M600 and a few drawings which there are 2. No piping schematic shown. Please provide additional information.

Piping is shown on M200.2 with notes indicating the requirements.

103 Attachment 10, page 72 & 73: It shows a piping detail for various equipment. Is this equipment to be furnished & installed by the Mechanical Contractor?

Compare solicitation Attachment 10 Equipment Cut Sheet excerpt to drawing QH601 Equipment JSN Schedules for what is contractor furnished and installed (CC). The JSN M4871 System, Reverse Osmosis, Water is CC.

104 Drawing M201.0 First Floor Piping – All Phases: there is a separate drawing M201.2 (Phase 2) but no M201.4 (Phase

4) drawing. Is there an M201.4 that was not issued? That drawing would drawings and the notes would reflect the importance of additional notes like M200.4 for the Basement.

M201.4 does not exist and is not needed.

NO FURTHER RFI's

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