S05 - Questions and Answers - El Paso.pdf

36C77624Q0256 El Paso Health Care Center Design Support

Solicitation Questions & Answers

1. Has the AE already met with end users to develop the initial design?

Answer: Yes, they have had service user group meetings. The design package 3 encompasses the facility interiors and layouts. They have met with the end users to discuss layout and flow. They plan to meet again in November/December timeframe.

2. Is there an anticipated date for Construction Documents to be completed?

Design package 1: Site and Utilities - Apr to Aug 2024 Design package 2: Structural Enclosure, and CEP – Apr to Dec 2024 Design package 3: Fit Out and Site Finishes – May to Apr 2025 Design package 4; FF&E – March – Dec 2026

3. Can we have the current REVIT model?

Answer: It is not ready at this time; it would be some time next year before we can provide the final model.

4. Will the IOTA contractor be part of the AE design user group meetings with the end users?

Answer: Yes

5. Are there any drawings already developed by the AE? If so, can we have access to them?

Answer: Yes. These will be provided upon award.

6. Is our deliverable to provide updated drawings of all spaces showing FF&E in all spaces or in just room typical spaces or just to complete attachment E?

Answer: All FF&E to be shown for all rooms on the floorplan

7. PWS 16.2.4 requires us to provide room layouts for all FF&E – is this in every space or only room typical spaces?

Answer: All FF&E to be shown for all rooms on the floorplan

8. Are we to build typical room drawings by room code and give to the AE?

Answer: Yes, then reviewed by staff

9. Who determines the number of different types of room typical spaces that we will have to lay out?

Answer: All FF&E to be shown for all rooms on the floorplan

10. Who is the AE of record?

Answer: Smithgroup and HKS

11. Are we to have meetings with end users and existing drawings provided by the AE to update the room contents?

Answer: Yes

12. There is a room contents list as part of the PWS. Are we to work with the AE and ensure these items are in the room? or with the end users and the AE to update this list to show what the end users what in the rooms?

Answer: Yes. The IOTA Contractor should work with end users to compile a finalized room by room list for each room/service/area throughout the facility. The IOTA Contractor shall perform QA against the Design Documents to avoid conflict. The data collected, updated, and maintained includes space identification that matches construction drawings and AE design contents, VV vs VC vs CC, item cost to include any purchased install and/or training, contracting and vendor lead and install times, funding appropriation, recurring vs non-recurring expense. All items should be updated by the IOTA Contractor in the VA Activation SharePoint.

13. Are we to add to drawings the requested FF&E to the room or are we to create a change request and submit to our COR before we add to the room?

Answer: Any requested changes should be ran through the COR

14. Are we to provide cut sheets for all FF&E?

Answer: Yes

15. Will the drawings we receive from the AE (if we receive them) have utilities so we can ensure or validate the right utilities are present in the room and located properly to support the design?

Answer: Yes

16. What is the specific deliverable we are to provide?

Answer: Deliverables and deliverable due dates are found in Section 18 of the PWS. The description of each deliverable is outlined in the PWS under section 16.2

17. Are the artwork cutsheets to be considered final also to include a complete artwork placement plan?

Answer: Yes. See last paragraph on page 12 of the PWS Section 16.2

18. The 3D design renditions required as deliverable 16.2.5 is that per room type? Should we assume its every room type in the facility?

Answer: Yes, every room type

19. PWS Section 16.2 calls for a Final Discrepancy Report, deliverable 16.2.8, due 1 month prior to end of the contract. Is the end of the contract determined to be the end of the CLIN 0001, 11/30/25, as shown in the RFP?

Answer: This deliverable is due under CLIN002. However, all CLINS are scheduled to end at the same time. Note: This solicitation is a RFQ, not a RFP (different solicitation and evaluation process).

20. PWS Section 16.2.1 Artwork Cutsheets: Since the furniture IDIQ includes artwork, should the artwork be developed more conceptually in order for vendors to compete -- or is it preferred that a specific piece of art, frame, size, medium, etc. be detailed and specified?

Answer: Cut Sheets shall include a photo of the item, finishes, specifications, instructions, dimensions, etc., that apply to that specific item. Cut sheet information shall be specific enough to convey information to the VA as they will need to purchase and install the product, but general enough to allow competition across multiple manufacturers.

21. PWS Section 16.2 Interior Design, FFE, and Space Planning Services. The IOT&A contractor is to ensure all identified FF&E or architectural significant items are in accordance with the Design Documents to minimize any need to change the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing or Architectural support systems and locations. Will FF&E layouts showing placement of ASE (architecturally significant equipment) be required prior to /or outside of any design submittal (i.e. for AE permitting, etc.)? If so, at what point will those be needed?

Answer: All drawings provided to show FF&E should also include ASE equipment locations as well.

Required during final submission and throughout the planning/revision phases.

22. PWS Section 16.2.4 FF&E Layouts: Which version of Revit will be utilized by the architect?

Answer: Must be compatible with what the contractor which is Revit version 2023.

23. PWS Section 16.2.4 FF&E Layouts: FF&E layouts are to be used for end-user/VA designer group meetings to assist in the validation of the F&E, and to facilitate outfitting as an installation guide. Items shall be color-coded on the drawings for easy identification (i.e., red for reuse, black for construction contractor provided and installed, green for manufacturer installed).Furniture and equipment is not called out, Is blue acceptable for Furniture and Equipment?

Answer: Yes, blue is good

24. PWS Section 16.2.5 3-Dimensional Design Renditions: How many 3-D designs are expected to be submitted?

Answer: Deliverable Due dates are found under Section 18.1 Deliverable Schedule. Per PWS, Hard/Electronic copies shall be available to the VA as soon as an update is completed. Final due during Final Design Package submittal or end of the contract.

25. PWS Section 16.2, Interior Design, FF&E, and Space Planning Services. Contractor is to work with VA ID on all furnishings and space planning as it relates to FF&E and Artwork. Contractor is expected to join work in progress during the Design package four (4) submittal by the AE Firm. Is the IOT&A contractor to submit 4 design submittals? Or is the requirement only for the A/E?

Answer: IOTA Contractor shall review and validate building contractor submittals as it is related to FF&E and artwork. IOTA Contractor must deliver to the COR, to be used by the AE all the latest project information such as specific design requests as a result of user group meetings. Site activation team to provide due date of information to the AE contractor to ensure they have time to include it. The name of this project is “Design Submittal 4”.

26. PWS Section 16.1, pg. 9: Has the VHS Activation Team’s Program Manager been named or assigned yet?

Answer: Program Manager is on board, and the new Activation Manager is in process

27. PWS Section 16.2, pg. 11: Hs the VA Interior Designer been named or assigned?

Answer: They are in the process of advertising for an Interior Designer. The USACE and AE both have Designers on staff

28. Will space be made available for contract staff at either El Paso HCC or the surrounding area on the campus?

Answer: Yes, flex space is available for personnel at the job site trailer