A17- RFI responses.pdf

SOLICITATION # 36C77624B0030

PROJECT NAME: Construct New Inpatient Pharmacy-West Haven, CT.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 9/10 1. As I was looking through the files for the West Haven VMAC Construct Inpatient Pharmacy, the metal casework pages referred to A-400 for the elevations. Can you let me know where I can find that page?

I do not see the page A-400 anywhere.

There is a “STEEL CASEWORK SCHEDULE” on pages Q-101A and Q- 101B on the right side (appears same on both pages). Other areas on the drawings cite “See casework tag BC-1 in Q Series Drawings” for example. There are also casework details on page A-551.

See enlarged plan on sheet A-403. Elevations are provided on this sheet showing the metal casework. Casework details on A-551 do not apply to the metal casework as the metal casework will be provided by a vendor. Mott Manufacturing is the basis of design for the metal casework within this project. – AE Triple C

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

2. 9/10 Please confirm the hourly rating for the steel.

Drawing GI101 – Life Safety – First Floor lists the Construction Type as Type II with a fire-resistance rating of 1 Hour for the structural frame, floors, and roof/ceilings The Fire Resistive Construction Legend on the Building Sections and Wall Sections lists the fire-resistance rating for the structural frame as 3 Hours, Floors as 2 Hours, and the Roof/Ceiling as 1.5 Hours.

Fire resistive ratings to meet requirements listed on GI101 Life Safety. – AE Triple C

3. 9/10 Is there a VA Hospital Telecommunications Standards document?

Version 4 of the Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (ISTS) issued June 1, 2023 is the current standard for construction. It is available online at:

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom.asp – AE Triple C

4. 9/10 Is there a specific connectivity manufacturer for telecommunications?

FutureComm is the VA’s preferred Vendor. – AE Triple C

5. 9/10 Is there an MDF/IDF closet buildout sheet with specs?

Version 4 of the Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (ISTS) issued June 1, 2023 is the current standard for construction. It is available online at:

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom.asp – MES Group https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom.asp https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom.asp

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 9/10 Print ES102 shows the fiber backbone cabling is to terminate in the PBX Rm G251 located in B1, can that be confirmed?

Please verify with VA OI&T – MES Group

Bid routing as shown in documents. -AE Triple C

7. 9/10 Print ES102 Key Note #1 requests a 25 pair copper feed to the pharmacy, can this be confirmed? (is a 25pr enough for this space)

All data/voice will be over fiber backbone, copper is for other system. 25 pair should be sufficient. Verify with OI&T if they request more – MES Group

Bid routing as shown in documents. -AE Triple C

8. 9/10 Who is responsible for furnishing and installing the basket tray?

Contractor – MES Group

9. 9/10 Who is responsible for furnishing and installing camera cabling?

10. 9/10 Who is responsible for furnishing and installing UPS’s in the MDF/IDF?

11. 9/10 Who is responsible for furnishing and installing conduits for cable pathways?

12. 9/10 Please confirm the construction estimate break down (Attachment A14) is not due at the time of bid?

Confirmed. -VA

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

13. 9/10 Spec Section 01 00 00, Phasing Section, outlines a duration that is 750 Calendar Days (CD). The SF 1442 says the Period of Performance is 730 CD. Please confirm this contract duration is only 730 CD.

Duration is confirmed to be 730 Calendar days. – AE Triple C

14. 9/10 The phasing plan outlined in Spec Section 01 00 00, Phasing Section; calls for 7 different phases. Page GI400 outlines 4 phases for this project. Please confirm phasing plan the contractor should follow.

Conduct Phasing as outlined in the Drawings.

– AE Triple C

15. 9/10 Please confirm if there will be any flexibility in the phasing plan.

Bid project to meet proposed phasing. – AE Triple C

16. 9/10 Please confirm the Commissioning Agent (CxA) will be contracted by the VA as outlined in spec section 01 91 00 section 1.8, part C.

Commissioning Agent has been contracted by VA thru AE. MES Group is the project commissioning agent. – AE Triple C

17. 9/10 Please confirm the Contractor is responsible to have a Commissioning Manager (CxM) as outlined in spec section 01 91 00 section 1.8, part B.

Contractor must provide Commissioning Manager to provide services as outlined in the specifications.

– AE Triple C

18. 9/10 Spec Section 01 00 00, section 1.32, part B, calls out Appendix A – Bid Form Template (Attached) but Appendix A is not included.

Bid form is included in specifications.

See Section 00 41 13 Bid Form - beginning on page 65 of 1891. – AE Triple C

19. 9/10 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 31 20 00 3.2 G, “when unsuitable material is encountered and removed, contract price and time will be adjusted in accordance with articles, Differing site conditions, changes and changes-supplement of the General conditions as applicable.

Adjustments to be based on volume in cut section only.” General Requirements 01 00 00 1.8 B references Differing Site conditions (FAR 52.236-2) and Changes (FAR 52.243-4) which are viewable at:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-4

– AE Triple C

20. 9/10 Please confirm the Superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO, or any other role on the project.

Per 01 00 00 1.2 Q – Superintendent shall be a separate qualified individual from the Quality Control Manager and the Site Safety and Health Officer. – AE Triple C https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-4

21. 9/10 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, Superintendent, or any other role on the project.

Per 01 00 00 1.2 Q 1 g– The Site Safety and Health Officer. shall be a separate qualified individual from the Quality Control Manager and the Site Safety and Superintendent. – AE Triple C

22. 9/10 Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO, Superintendent or any other role on the project.

Per 01 00 00 1.2 Q – Quality Control Manager shall be a separate qualified individual from the Superintendent and the Site Safety and Health Officer. – AE Triple C

23. 9/10 Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

Firestopping Installer qualifications are listed in section 07 84 00 1.5 B and must be submitted for review. – AE Triple C

24. 9/10 Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

Firestopping Inspector qualifications are listed in section 07 84 00 1.5 C and must be submitted for review and included in the bid.

– AE Triple C

25. 9/10 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.

Installers must meet the qualifications listed in section 07 84 00 1.5 B. – AE Triple C

26. 9/10 Please provide an area for contractor laydown area including but not limited to a site trailer.

Laydown area by the project site will not be increased. See GI400 and CS101 for phased fenced area. Contractor staging and trailer will be allowed in the identified contractor lot north of Building 36. – AE Triple C

27. 9/10 Please confirm if a contractor trailer will not be allowed, a space within the existing hospital can be made available to the contractor.

Contractor staging and trailer will be allowed in the identified contractor lot north of Building 36. – AE Triple C

28. 9/10 Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

Refer to Parking limitations listed on GI400 Construction site notes #1 and information in 01 00 00 1.5 F for Motor Vehicle Restrictions.

– AE Triple C

29. 9/10 Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. Document A11 states that Connecticut state sales tax should be excluded from our bid but document A12 states that State and Local taxes are to be included as part of our bid.

See FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State, and Local Taxes as well as Attachment A11 and A12 to SAM posting. If a specific tax exemption applies than that should be considered as bids are being generated.

30. 9/10 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.

Confirmed. -VA

31. 9/10 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.

Confirmed. -VA

32. 9/10 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Yes – MES Group

33. 9/10 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

Confirmed. See FAR 52.225-11 in the solicitation.

34. 9/10 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Per 09 29 00 3.5 A – Level 4 finish is required for all finished areas open to public view.

Note 2 on IN101B calls for smooth continuous finish when patching into existing walls at existing corridor. Design intent at this area is to match existing texture and level of finish. – AE Triple C

35. 9/10 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

Riser rated cables are acceptable in non plenum spaces. – MES Group

36. 9/10 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? Please see Spec 26 05 33, 2.1 (A) – MES Group

37. 9/10 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Confirmed. -VA

38. 9/10 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.

Mockup can incorporated into the overall construction providing it meets the requirements of location listed in 08 44 13

1.3 B and does not prohibit progress on other

construction in the area. Mockup must be protected for damage by adjacent work.

– AE Triple C

39. 9/10 Please confirm that one mock-up wall panel can be utilized for the required masonry conditions, window assembly, curtain wall details, Metal Panels, and elastomeric joint sealants.

One Mockup can be used for all systems, provided that all systems can be installed, inspected and tested together (with the exception of masonry which can be evaluated earlier) without delaying fabrication and delivery or any adjacent work. – AE Triple C

40. 9/10 Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Yes, contractor to provide. – MES Group

41. 9/10 Please confirm if the contractor include a 5% allowance for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings.

VA to confirm – MES Group

42. 9/10 Please confirm that this project is a competitive Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside project and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protege partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor- Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the bid date.

This acquisition is for is an SDVOSB set aside. Bids from verified SDVOSB firms are the only ones that will be considered for award. All bonds must be in the name of the offeror and from an approved surety as defined by Treasury Circular

570. Joint ventures in which one of the partners is a large business may be considered for award if and only if one of the joint venture partners is a verified SDVOSB and there is a valid mentor protege agreement between the two partners.

43. 9/10 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.

This acquisition is for is an SDVOSB set aside. Bids from verified SDVOSB firms are the only ones that will be considered for award. All bonds must be in the name of the offeror and from an approved surety as defined by Treasury Circular

570. Joint ventures in which one of the partners is a large business may be considered for award if and only if one of the joint venture partners is a verified SDVOSB and there is a valid mentor protege agreement between the two partners.

44. 9/10 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.

This acquisition is for is an SDVOSB set aside. Bids from verified SDVOSB firms are the only ones that will be considered for award. All bonds must be in the name of the offeror and from an approved surety as defined by Treasury Circular

570. Joint ventures in which one of the partners is a large business may be considered for award if and only if one of the joint venture partners is a verified SDVOSB and there is a valid mentor protege agreement between the two partners.

45. 9/10 Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation.

Off hours are any hours coordinated with the COR outside of normal working hours as listed in 01 00 00. Note information on working outside the addition area listed in 01 00 00 1.2 C and 1.5 F – AE Triple C

46. 9/10 Please confirm the normal working hours of this contract are to be assumed as normal working hours;

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Normal working hours are listed in 01 00 00

1.2 V 1 – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru

Friday. – AE Triple C

47. 9/10 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.

Per 01 00 00 1.2 V 4, All off hours work shall be coordinated with the COR. This can include but not limited to, utility shutdowns, major equipment deliveries impacting vehicular and pedestrian traffic, or any construction activity deemed impactful to patient and staff safety.. – AE Triple C

48. 9/10 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.

VA personnel will be available to attend surveys in a timely manner. – AE Triple C

49. 9/10 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.

Photographer to meet qualifications of 01 00 00 1.30 A 1 Photographic indexing does not have to be interactive in CAD. But it must be documented per location and available online for all parties. – AE Triple C

50. 9/10 Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

Intervals of photographs to be per 01 00 00

1.30 B 12 and 13 with maximum # of shots to

be spaced out to cover full progress of work.

For example: Site progression shots shall be done weekly when there is activity on site work. If there is no progress on site items to be shown, no shots are needed. – AE Triple C

51. 9/10 Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

Refer to full section of description in 01 00 00

1.30 B – AE Triple C

52. 9/10 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.

Photographs must be available onlne and can be uploaded and available in the same system used for Submittals (Procore, Submittal Exchange, AutoDesk Build, etc) – AE Triple C

53. 9/10 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.

Photographer must meet qualifications in 01 00 00 1.30 A – Minimum 3 yr experience as demonstrated in portfolio or projects of similar type , size duration and complexity as the project. – AE Triple C

54. 9/10 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.

Photographer must meet qualifications in 01 00 00 1.30 A – Minimum 3 yr experience as demonstrated in portfolio or projects of similar type , size duration and complexity as the project. – AE Triple C

55. 9/10 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.

The Fabricator and Installer qualifications for AISC participation will be enforced. 05 12 00

1.5 – AE Triple C

56. 9/10 Please confirm the General Contractor is to have a separate and direct contract with the DDC Contractor and the Systems Integrator.

VA to confirm – MES Group

57. 9/10 If system integration is required for this contract, please provide a set of specs for this scope of work.

VA to confirm – MES Group

58. 9/10 Please confirm no advanced utility metering system is required for this scope of work.

VA to confirm – MES Group

59. 9/10 Please confirm the Testing Laboratory qualified person is sufficient on-site during earthwork and excavation operations as outlined in spec section 01 45 29.

Per 01 00 00 1.2 H the VA must be notified in sufficient time to enable VA personnel to be present for observation of proper test taking and field inspection. – AE Triple C

60. 9/10 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.

Per 31 20 00 3.2 G, “when unsuitable material is encountered and removed, contract price and time will be adjusted in accordance with articles, Differing site conditions, changes and changes-supplement of the General conditions as applicable.

Adjustments to be based on volume in cut section only.” General Requirements 01 00 00 1.8 B references Differing Site conditions (FAR 52.236-2) and Changes (FAR 52.243-4) which are viewable at:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-4

– AE Triple C

61. 9/10 Please confirm if Submittal Exchange can be used on this project.

Per 01 33 34 2.1 Submittal exchange, Autodesk Build and ProCore are all approved systems for Electronic submittals. Any other equivalent systems these must be submitted with contractor bid to be considered. – AE Triple C

62. 9/10 Please confirm the POP will not be modified or changed as a result of the alternates.

Confirmed.

63. 9/10 Please confirm the Grand Total line item on the bid form is to be the base bid?

Confirmed.

64. 9/10 Please provide a list of requirements/specification required for Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) required by the contractor outlined in the SOW, Part 4.

PIA will not be required as the Station IT department will be responsible for activating ports and cutovers from contractor installed data drops. - AE Triple C

65. 9/10 What is the total linear feet of underground steam pipe to be abated? H-101

300 LF of pipe insulation shown on sheet H101 is the quantity for underground steam piping. - AE Triple C https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-2 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.236-4

66. 9/10 How recent is the site survey and has underground work occurred since the survey was complete? VF101

Survey Disclaimer on VF101 notes that Site information was determined from VA supplied as-builts, photographs and lidar surfy conducted by Triple C. This compilation was performed during design in 2021. No underground work has occurred around the new addition from 2021-2024. – AE Triple C

67. 9/10 Please confirm “STEEL STAIR ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING

ALL STAIRS, LANDINGS, GUARDRAILS, AND HANDRAILS

SHALL BE DESIGNED AND DETAILED BY

CONTRACTOR. STEEL STAIR ASSEMBLIES SHALL BE

DESIGNED BY AN ENGINEER LICENSED IN THE STATE IN

WHICH THE PROJECT IS LOCATED.” S-002

Correct, stairs are a delegated design with the Fabricators providing stamped drawings during the submittal process. – AE Triple C

68. 9/10 The 1st page of spec section 11 24 26 Safety Tie- Backs is missing.

Full section 11 24 26 provided with this document. – AE Triple C

69. 9/10 Confirm stanchion locations on A-103. There are sections of the roof which are missing stanchions/tiebacks and want to confirm there is no intention for a fall protection system to cover the entire roof.

Roof area shown on A-103 without noted stanchions has parapet of sufficient height to prevent falls, and therefore does not require stanchions. – AE Triple C

70. 9/10 Is the intention of the stanchions/tieback anchors for a horizontal lifeline or to be used for launching from the roof to clean windows?

Stanchions are provided for tiebacks to provide fall protection. – AE Triple C

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