Amend 0008 - AE VA Responses 8.15.24_R1.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 36 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C77624R0026_1
About this file
This document is a set of questions and answers related to a federal contract opportunity for a construction project to build a new Community Living Center (CLC) at the Lebanon, VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
The key details include:
- This is a single-prime, competitive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside project to construct a new CLC building, garage, roadway, and supporting infrastructure.
- The project has a base bid plus several additive alternates that the government may select from based on available funding.
- There are detailed technical requirements covering architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other construction specifications that bidders must comply with.
- Various contracting requirements are outlined, such as the need for Payment and Performance Bonds, Davis-Bacon certified payroll, and limitations on who can provide bonding for SDVOSB contractors.
- The solicitation has been extended to August 23, 2024 to allow adequate time for bidders to respond to the numerous questions and answers provided.
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Sheet1
| # | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Is this project is being bid as a single-prime project or whether it’s multi-prime. | PCAC: This is single-prime, however, a joint partnership is acceptable in accordance with VAAR 852.219-73. |
| 2 | Are there any tax exemptions for this project? | No |
| 3 | Please confirm duct cleaning by mechanical methods is not required if the duct is protected during construction. | Confirmed - spec section 23 31 00 3.1.K. |
| 4 | What HVAC piping is to be heat traced if any? | None. |
| 5 | 00 01 15 List of Drawings lists M-807. This is not listed on the drawing cover sheet and is not in the bid documents. Please confirm this is not a part of the bid documents. | Confirmed. M-807 is not part of the bid documents and is incorrectly listed in the cover sheet and specs list. |
| 6 | The mechanical drawings show the steam generator and humidifier 1-SH-AB with 3” flue and combustion air piping going to a 6” concentric vent. What are the piping sizes for 1-SH-C and 1-SH-D as these are not shown and they are a larger capacity? Also what material is to be used for the flue vent and combustion air piping? | Sizing key noted to be per mfr. recommendations. Code allows PVC/CPVC, or Stainless, as long as it is pressure rated. |
| 7 | In regards to Add Alternate 8. Does the ductwork on the first floor of Area C in Resident Corridor 168, get installed in the Base Bid or does this ductwork get installed in Add Alternate 8? | Corridor 168 will only have terminal unit 1-TUS-C168 (2nd floor), associated supply ductwork, and (3) diffusers installed under the Base Bid to serve the west wing corridor. 1st floor supply ductwork from Base Bid air handling unit 1-AHU-AB will be extended over and up to west wing 2nd floor as required. All other corridor ductwork shown on MH113 is installed with Add Alternate 8 only. |
| 8 | What is the anticipated start date for this project? | PCAC: We seek to make an award by the end of August 2024. The work is to begin within 10 calandar days of the Notice to Proceed. |
| 9 | Civil Drawings CG101 & CG151 have the finished floor elevation at 532.00. Structural Drawings SF100 thru SF110, in general sheet notes, have the finished floor elevation at 534.5. Which is correct? | The civil drawing's finished floor elevation of 532.00 is correct for the building. |
| 10 | Drawing AE801 shows toilet accessories & lockers to be purchased, placed, and installed by owner. Is this correct that the VA will purchase, place, and install all these items? | Refer to revised dwgs AE701 and AE801. |
| 11 | Drawing QC101 Shows all food service equipment which includes some countertops, sinks, and an exhaust hood w/ fire suppression as “owner supplied”. Is this correct that the VA will be handling all these items? | Refer to revised dwg QC-101 and QC-104 along with revised specifications 114011, 114100, 114400, and 114800. |
| 12 | What are the dimensions of the overhead garage door on the door schedule as 148B? | SEE ELEVATION B6/AE202 AND SHEET AE111 FOR ROUGH OPENING DIMENSIONS. |
| 13 | MH112 drawing has LD-1 linear diffusers. There is no schedule. Please provide. | LD-1 linear supply air device will be added to schedule on M-702. See revised dwg |
| 14 | The ductwork insulation specifications are not clear as to what is desired. It appears that all supply, return and outside air duct on the second floor and in second floor mechanical rooms is to be insulated with board. This would be very costly and really not necessary. Please clarify as to how the following duct is to be insulated. Supply, return and outside air duct on the first floor where it is below the roof. Supply, return and outside air duct in the second floor mechanical rooms. Supply, return and outside air duct on the second floor outside the mechanical rooms. | Attic spaces and mech rooms are unfinished spaces and require puncture resistant vapor barrier - aluminum/white facing over fiber board insulation is per VA masterspec. These are areas subject to potential damage to insulation. All concealed spaces are specified with fiberglass blanket insulation. |
| 15 | On page SF-100 of the notes on the Architectural Drawings/ structural drawings call out a FF of 534.50, but on the CG-151 Civil drawings call out a building FF of 532.0. Which is correct? | See RFI #9 response. Establish elevation of floor based on civil drawings and correspond the change in elevation architecturally and structurally. |
| 16 | Page 20 of the solicitation and page 32 of the solicitation contain conflicting information concerning the bid guarantee. The not to exceed amount on page 20 is $3,000,000 and on page 32 it is $3,200,000. Which amount is correct? | PCAC: The bid guarantee not to exceed amount is $3,000,000. |
| 17 | Please confirm the glycol chilled water piping that rises above grade outside is to be piping as specified with field applied insulation and not the pre-fabricated piping. | Confirmed. Above grade outdoor piping shall be insulated and aluminum jacketed per specifications. |
| 18 | F3/AE331 shows Fypon brackets, but I do not see a schedule of finishes for the type. Do you have this information? | Architect notified Fypon of need, Basis of design is similar to Dentil Block DTLB6X4X6, Bracket BKT10X16X6, but was at a different height when we designed it, call fypon for the correction and refer to attachments correcting the option. |
| 19 | The PVC fence on sheet AE111 appears to show greater than 8’ spacing between the columns. PVC panels are only available up to 8’W, so a center post would be needed, is that acceptable? | It is acceptable to provide center posts on panels |
| 20 | Refer to sheets AE202 and AE312, the drawings aren’t clear on how this lattice and insect screen is to be installed, there also appear to be no written specs for this application of the insect screen. Please advise. | Specifications are listed in division 33 Vinyl Fences and Gates. |
| 21 | Prints show a video intercom at several doors along with a video intercom at the vehicle gate. There aren’t any master stations shown. Where are the master stations located and how many? | Master stations shall be located at the Concierge Desk 131 and Team Station 122. Refer to Keynote 4 on ES101 and ET111. Keynote 5 and 6 on ET112. Keynote 2 on ET113. |
| 22 | Is union labor required? | PCAC: Union labor is not required for this project. |
| 23 | Is wage determination with certified payroll required? | PCAC: This requirement is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and a wage determination has been provided for this solicitation. See Att 20 Wage Determination. Certified payrolls are required |
| 24 | Is a loading dock available to receive product? | No |
| 25 | Will subcontractor need to have employees on site to receive product? | The prime contractor will need to have employees on site to receive product |
| 26 | Is there space for a mobile storage unit/drop trailer? | The prime contractor may establish storage areas within their fenced off project site |
| 27 | Deck composition – concrete, steel? If concrete, we need 4” thickness with 4000 PSI. For steel, need O.C. dims, beam/joist height, flange width? | Need more clarification on meaning of "deck composition"? |
Refer to structural drawings for all slab and roof decks.
| 28 | Are Payment or performance bonds required? | PCAC: Payment and Performance Bonds are required. See "INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSAL MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS" |
| 29 | Pre-installation orientation required? | Please clarify question. |
| 30 | Parking availability for installers. Contractor lot? | The prime contractor may establish a parking area adjacent to their site but will be responsible for maintaining and restoring the area |
| 31 | What level seismic install/bracing required? | Refer to structural dwg S-001 for seismic criteria |
| 32 | VA purchasing motors and spreader bars and VA will install motors and spreader bars? Please confirm? | No. Contractor to purchase and install. |
| 33 | Lift company only installing above ceiling supports, track, power and weight load test? Please confirm. | Confirmed |
| 34 | The PVC fence on sheet AE111 (waste pick up area) appears to show greater than 8’ spacing between the columns. PVC panels are only available up to 8’ wide so a center post would be needed. Is that acceptable? | same as Question 19. |
| 35 | With several of the previous questions affecting overall price and next week being a holiday weekend, will the proposal due date be extended? | PCAC: Due date is now 7/26/24, 5PM EST. |
| 36 | 1. Refer to sheets AE202 and AE312, the drawings aren’t clear on how this lattice and insect screen is to be installed, there also appear to be no written specs for this application of the insect screen. Please advise. | See Question 20. Insect Screen shall be mounted internal to the trash enclosure, and is specifically to help to prevent the flow of bugs between the trash and porch. Please utilize an insect screen frame at the lattice as required to install between the solid vinyl and open areas. |
| 37 | Please advise if the facility has a preferred installer for the Delta HVAC control system. | The controls were changed to distech. Distech authorizes Conexus to purchase/install their product. |
| 38 | Please confirm that all communication system rough in, conduit, back boxes, wiring, devices, and equipment are provided and installed by the electrical contractor. | The EC is responsible for the entire communications system, except for tele/data room UPS and racks. Refer to Drawing E-603. |
| 39 | Please confirm that all tele/data system rough in, conduit, back boxes, and wiring, are provided and installed by the electrical contractor. | The EC is responsible for the entire tele/data system, except for tele/data room UPS and racks. Refer to Drawing E-603. |
| 40 | Please advise on what tele/data equipment will be provided and installed by the owner. | The VA shall provide the tele/data room UPS and racks. Refer to Drawing E-603. Electrical contractor shall install this equipment. |
| 41 | Please confirm that all security system rough in, conduit, back boxes, and wiring are provided and installed by the electrical contractor. | Confirmed |
| 42 | Please advise what security devices Wanderguard are providing for the security equipment. Control panels, door controllers, cameras, card readers, other? | VA shall provide all Wanderguard devices. See Detail 3 on Drawing E-503. Contractor shall install all equipment via Wanderguard. Cameras shall be included in bid as a line item all alternate. See Add Alternate notes on ET Series drawings. |
| 43 | Please advise on what fire alarm manufacturer should be installed in the building. | See Amend+0001+Attch8 ---this needs to be revised for Distech Controls |
| 44 | Please advise what vacuum system equipment is provided and installed by the owner. | Vacuum system to be provided and installed by contractor. |
| 45 | Please advise what laboratory system equipment is provided and installed by the owner. | Laboratory system to be provided and installed by contractor. |
| 46 | Please advise who is to install the Food Service Equipment. | See response to #11 |
| 47 | Please advise who is the food service vendor for the project. | Food vendor will be determined after construction begins |
| 48 | Please advise if low iron glass is required for use anywhere on the project. Low iron glass is noted in the specifications but nothing specific is called out as requiring the use of low iron glass. | See sheet AE201 for locations of low iron in glazing schedule. |
| 49 | Please advise of lead times for the food service equipment. | See #11 response |
| 50 | There are finishes on the finish schedule that are discontinued. Please advise of what to bid. Ie. SV-1, SVT-1, IB-1 | More information is being developed on all finishes. Will have further information by week of 7/22/2024. |
| 51 | Geotech references that sinkhole risk is medium to high. Confirm that additional costs related to sinkholes, foundation impacts, etc. would be covered by the Owner. | Unknown/field discovered subgrade conditions that require alternations from the bid documents will be addressed separately (VA to confirm response). |
| 52 | Wall Sections General Notes mentions a Blast Report. Please provide as one cannot be found. | Blast loads are provided on a need-to-know basis to the awarded contractor's structural blast specialist(s) performing analysis and design for blast resisting elements. |
| 53 | Note A11 is not noted on the drawings other than the Architectural Keynotes. Please advise on locations. | A11 was eliminated |
| 54 | Detail D6/AE332 mentions a note about motorized shade systems. Finish Schedule Item WT-1 says shades are to be manually operated. Please confirm BOD. | D6 is out of date motorized shades are manual |
| 55 | The PVC fence on sheet AE111 appears to show greater than 8’ spacing between the columns. PVC panels are only available up to 8’W, so a center post would be needed, is that acceptable? | same as Question 19. |
| 56 | Refer to sheets AE202 and AE312, the drawings aren’t clear on how this lattice and insect screen is to be installed, there also appear to be no written specs for this application of the insect screen. Please advise. | same as Question 20. |
| 57 | They call for the lock deck to be PT in the spec book. This is not an option from lock-deck in Douglas fir how do you want us to proceed? | A portion of the lock deck is exposed to the elements and therefore must be treated (pressure treated specified). Contractor may submit alternate element protection to ensure elemental protection/resistance (equal to or more than pressure treatment) for review and approval. However, contractor's bid shall not anticipate the approval of proposed alternate. |
| 58 | I saw FSC ( Forest Stewardship council) mentioned in regard to the timber but wanted to confirm whether it is required or not. | It is required. |
| 59 | Is it the intention of the design to have the Timber Frame pre-finished? | would be preferrable, with ability to touch up the timbers. Note: finish of non-lockdeck (timbers) is a painted / stained finish per finish schedule and drawings. |
| 60 | Is it the intention of the design to have the lock-deck and timber Frame to have a fire rating. If it does, are we ok to achieve this fire rating through a char layer or is there a product that needs to be applied? | Yes, the rating meets one hour. Acceptable to char based on thickness. |
| 61 | The specs mention glue laminated timber, but it is not mentioned on the drawings. Is it the intention to use glue-laminated timber construction, or only Select Structural Douglas fir timber and 3x6 lock deck. | Glue laminated timbers are listed in the wood columns and beams and are painted, but the lock deck is the laminated doug fir. The intent is to have the lock-deck fir finished clear and the wood grain material is visible. |
| 62 | The aluminum curtain wall, one interior (BES-10B) and one exterior (BES-10A) as indicated as being glazed with the same glass, 1” clear low e (GL-01). Please advise if the interior curtain wall frames needs low e as it is interior and the low e coating will not provide any benefit to the owner. By changing to a non-low e product money will be saved. | Both need a low iron, not low e but the interior will. |
| 63 | Please confirm that the curtain wall frames and glass are not required to meet blast ratings. | Correct, blast ratings occur on the drive side of the building. |
| 64 | Please clarify the aluminum clad window terminology, The plans call out Blast and impact resistant windows. The option for aluminum clad wood windows is Hurricane and impact resistant. What is the intent of the design for blast resistant? | Blast occurs only at the drive side of the building and with sufficient distances, the team has identified the correct blast rated systems. |
| 65 | What color should the aluminum wood window cladding be in? | Clear aluminum. |
| 66 | Is there a model of window that meets the requirements of the specification or the basis of design? There is no model that has blast ratings. Large-Missile Test: For glazing located within 30 feet of grade | Windows shall be designed specifically to meet all project required loading, including but not limited to blast loading. |
| 67 | Is there a posibility to simplify the specification for aluminum clad windows and pick a model as the basis of design. | Basis of Design is listed in Schedule of Finishes Specification 090600 as SECTION 08 52 23, ALUMINUM-CLAD WOOD WINDOWS Pella Architect Series Aluminum clad windows. |
| 68 | Please confirm that the doors indicated as being installed under the curtain wall are the doors specified in specification section 084114. Kawneer does not offer such a door for use with their curtain walls. | Correct |
| 69 | Please advise the ballistic rating required for the Reception Window and Deal Tray, located from Vestibule 128 to Concierge 131. The specifications, section 085659, say o be rated as noted, but I cannot locate any notes on the drawings which identify the require ballistic rating | Level III. Deal tray will not be a balistic rating. |
| 70 | The wall protection legend on page AE630, WP3 doesn’t specify the height requirements for the wall protection going in the allocated areas, such as most corridors. When reviewing the interior elevations of the corridors (AE406), it shows the panel going up 8’ on the wall. The material being specified is only a 52” roll, and the wall protection legend also notes to lay everything horizontally for less seams. Please confirm? | 52" is correct in the corridor. Please utilize dimensions listed in the elevations for height and assume the whole wall where not elevated in different rooms not elevated. |
| 71 | What is the brand name of the current nurse call system? | See Amed+0001+-=Att+8+-+JAs |
| 72 | Will Nurse Call provider have a dedicated fiber to connect to Building 1 server, or CLC Building 14 Server? | CLC nurse call system is intended to be a local system. |
| 73 | Concerning Nurse Call, Will we have connectivity to the core switch or dedicated fiber to building 1 server, or CLC Building Server? | CLC nurse call system is intended to be a local system. |
| 74 | Concerning Nurse Call, Please define up to 50% capacity increase. Is this through the switches or the RCB’s? | Through switches |
| 75 | Please define the MATV, RED, and PA systems, and expectation of interface? | Systems need to be fully compatible and interface with campus systems |
| 76 | What is the existing system/manufacturer for Nurse Call and Code Blue system that shall be matched? | Same as Question 71. |
| 77 | Please advise if Nurse Call Locator Interface is needed at Go Live. | Yes. |
| 78 | If so, what is the current Nurse Locating system installed? | Same as Question 71. |
| 79 | Concerning tv remove control interface, Is 2010 interface’s the accurate number? If not, how many (1) spare interfaces do you want for each interface installed? | Pillow speaker is required. |
| 80 | Please confirm the Commissioning Agent (CxA) will be contracted by the VA. | CxA will not be contracted by the VA. |
| 81 | Please confirm the Contractor is responsible to have a Commissioning Manager (CxM). | Yes. |
| 82 | Please provide a quality control specification. No quality control specification is provided in the contract documents | Quality Control specification provided. See attached. |
| 83 | Please confirm if contaminated soils are encounter, a change order will be issued to the contractor to properly haul and dispose of contaminated soils. | Yes |
| 84 | Please confirm the Superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO, or any other role on the project. | Yes |
| 85 | Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, Superintendent, or any other role on the project. | Yes |
| 86 | Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO, Superintendent or any other role on the project. | Yes |
| 87 | Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified. | Requirements on installation are listed in specs. |
| 88 | Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid. | Requirements on installation are listed in specs. |
| 89 | 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. | Requirements on installation are listed in specs. |
| 90 | Please confirm the contractor can utilize a portion of the vacant property for additional contractor laydown and parking areas. | See Questions 26 and 30 |
| 91 | Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing. | See Question 30 |
| 92 | Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award? | No |
| 93 | 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 |
| 94 | 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 |
| 95 | Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI). | Confirmed |
| 96 | Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. | Yes |
| 97 | Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches. | Contractor to follow all specifications and drawing, including AE501 for level of finishes in gypsum schedule. Some areas are over level 4 in this schedule. |
| 98 | Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces? | Install cable per specification. Riser rated cable is allowable in approved locations. |
| 99 | Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? | only as allowed by the specs. |
FMC is allowed as whips to light fixtures and for power connections to motors and vibrating equipment. Branch circuiting shall be run in conduit. Refer to specifications.
| 100 | Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages. | VA will work with the prime contractor's project manager and site superintendent to schedule outages. |
| 101 | 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. | mock-up is rerquired as a stand alone wall |
| 102 | Please confirm that one mock-up wall panel can be utilized for the required masonry conditions, window assembly, curtain wall details, Fiber Cement Siding, and elastomeric joint sealants. | yes |
| 103 | Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that? | VA provided. |
| 104 | Please confirm if the contractor include a 5% allowance for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings. | No. |
| 105 | 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. | PCAC: Confirmed |
| 106 | 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. | PCAC: Confirmed |
| 107 | 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. | PCAC: Confirmed |
| 108 | Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation. | Off-hours is work outside of Monday to Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| 109 | 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 Monday to Friday 7:00 AM -- 5:00 PM |
| 110 | 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. | Any work that impacts the functioning of the hospital such as road connections or utility connections will need to be performed at a time that best suits the Hospital's mission requirements, this may be day-time, night-time or weekend depending on the item work that is strictly confined to the construction area with no impacts to the hospital will be day time work |
| 111 | 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 staff will be available as required. All work requiring VA staff in attendance shall be scheduled no less than 14 days in advance. |
| 112 | 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. | Yes, per spec 010000. |
| 113 | Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done. | Minimum per spec is not less than once every 30 days. |
| 114 | Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation. | Refer to spec 010000 sections 1.24 & 1.25 |
| 115 | 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. | Yes, per spec 010000-1.24-E |
| 116 | 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. | Refer to spec 010000-1.24-A-1 and 010000-1.24-A-2 for photographic requirements. |
| 117 | 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. | See response to #116 |
| 118 | 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. | AISC certifications are required per the specifications. |
| 119 | Please confirm the General Contractor is to have two separate and direct contract with the DDC Contractor and the Systems Integrator. | VA does not dictate how subcontracts are negotiated by the prime contractor |
| 120 | If system integration is required for this contract, please provide a set of specs for this scope of work. | See RFI #75. |
| 121 | Please confirm no advanced utility metering system is required for this scope of work. | A digital multimeter is required for Panel NDP. A meter is required ahead of the transformer. See Keynote 1, E-601. |
| 122 | The PVC fence on sheet AE111 appears to show greater than 8’ spacing between the columns. PVC panels are only available up to 8’W, so a center post would be needed, is that acceptable? | Same as Question 19. |
| 123 | Refer to sheets AE202 and AE312, the drawings aren’t clear on how this lattice and insect screen is to be installed, there also appear to be no written specs for this application of the insect screen. Please advise. | Same as Question 20. |
| 124 | Please confirm the Testing Laboratory qualified person is sufficient on-site during earthwork and excavation operations as outlined in spec section 01 45 29. | Testing Laboratory qualifications shall be per the dwgs and specifications |
| 125 | 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. | See spec section 31 20 00 Earthwork |
| 126 | Please provide a Special Inspection Testing Matrix required for this project. No Special Inspection Testing Matrix is provided in the contract documents. | Special Inspection specifications provided. See attached. |
| 127 | Please confirm if Submittal Exchange can be used on this project. | Yes. |
| 128 | Please confirm the Fire Proofing requirement on the steel? | Yes |
| 129 | Please confirm the alternates outlined in 01 00 00 and the Price Schedule outlined in A.3 in the solicitation document are just to be additives and the CLIN items are not to be inclusive of each other. | PCAC: The alternate line items are additiave items to be added to the base CLIN, as budget permits. |
| 130 | Please confirm if the POP will be modified or changed because of the additive alternates. | No change to POP |
| 131 | Please confirm how the government will award the project based on the additive alternates. | PCAC: This information is outlined in 2.8 Proposal Requirements, Section E, Factor 2: Price. |
| 132 | Please confirm a CLIN divisional line item break down is not required to be submitted at the time of bid submission. | Must include base bid and add alternates. |
| 133 | Please confirm the government will not select various alternates in different combinations until they reach the funds available. | The VA will select as it deems necessary |
| 134 | The wall protection legend on page AE630, WP3 doesn’t specify the height requirements for the wall protection going in the allocated areas, such as most corridors. When reviewing the interior elevations of the corridors (AE406), it shows the panel going up 8’ on the wall. The material being specified is only a 52” roll, and the wall protection legend also notes to lay everything horizontally for less seams. Please confirm? | Same as Question 70. |
| 135 | The door schedule has acronyms in the Hardware Text column (R3 SIM, R1 Note 1) that we need clarification on. | See door hardware specification |
| 136 | Kawneer is the basis of design for the project. The project, as designed will not work. Please note the main item is that the project needs to be redesigned to include a structure for the curtain wall to sit on above the folding doors. | The structure includes a horizontal beam directly above the low curtainwall member, which we showed Kawneer, the intent is to run steel through the vertical tubes to the lowest horizontal to structure the slider. Updated details on sheet AE601. |
| 137 | We estimated a windload of 23 psf (ASD, Zone 5, 10 sq ft) based on the following criteria: 120 mph windspeed, 41’ mean roof height, risk category II, and exposure category B. We reviewed the two curtainwall elevations as 10-1/2” depth 1600 Sys1. An additional vertical would need to be added in the center of each elevation to allow for anchoring at the peak of the curtainwall. Structure will be required by others around the large door opening for the curtainwall to anchor to. This structure will need to be limited to 1/16” vertical movement or the door manufacturer’s requirements to avoid binding the door. As such, the jamb verticals will need to stop at a similar height as the intermediate verticals to avoid differential movement. Additionally, a windload anchor was assumed based on the wall sections. With these considerations, 10-1/2” depth 1600 Sys1 will not require steel reinforcement. | There is not a clearly identified question for the A/E within the RFI. |
| 138 | Please confirm all items on AE801 are to be owner furnish and owner installed including but not limited to the grab bars and bathroom accessories. | See revised dwg AE801 attached. |
| 139 | Please confirm Footing Size F84 as indicated on SF101. This footing mark does not appear on the schedule on S-602 | Footing size shall be F86 (not F84) |
| 140 | Please confirm that the curtain wall frames, and glass are not required to meet blast ratings. | Confirmed curtainwall glass and frame is not required to be blast rated. |
| 141 | Does the med room need a key pay to be in compliance? | It is assumed that this RFI is referring to a key pad. VA standards at time of design only require a locked door. Include a keypad for this door in bid. |
| 142 | Does the IT closet meet the new EHRM standards (i.e. room size, racking, etc.)? | IT room was designed to the VA standards at the time of design. |
| 143 | Per Spec Division 27 52 23 – Section 2.4, Products, F. Interface Equipment, is RTLS going to be a part of this project and require Integration to the Nurse Call System? The drawings do not show any RTLS equipment for this building. | CLC nurse call system is intended to be a local system. Only equipment shown on drawings is required. |
| 144 | Per Spec Division 27 52 23 – Section 2.4, Products, G. Call Initiation, is Hospital Bed Integration a part of this project? The drawings do not indicate them. | Pillow speaker is required. |
| 145 | Per Spec Division 27 52 23 – Section 2.4, Products, H. Auxiliary Alarm Monitoring, 2. Notes to provide (2) Alarm Jacks at each patient station, again this is not indicated on the drawings, are these stations required? Single Patient Stations as indicated on the drawings include one (1) alarm jack per station. | Adhere to the specification and provide (2) alarm jacks at each patient station. |
| 146 | Please clarify Fireproofing for the first-floor framing, the contract documents have the building rated as Type IIB. The structural steel frame including columns, girders, beams, trusses and spandrels has a 0 fire-rating. What is the design intention for the first floor Fire-proofing structural steel that the structural frame including the corrugated deck does not receive Fireproofing for the interior and exterior frame. | Follow 1 hour rating is between resident rooms and mechanical spaces per code sheet. |
| 147 | Please clarify Fireproofing for the roof framing that fireproofing will not be required for the corrugated deck or the structural members of joists, beams, or any steel for the interior and exterior frame. | Follow 1 hour rating is between resident rooms and mechanical spaces per code sheet. |
| 148 | There is a detail on AE502 for the steel I-beam to be fire rated where exactly does this condition occur? | Follow 1 hour rating is between resident rooms and mechanical spaces per code sheet. |
| 149 | Door openings 100 and 113 are noted as type D doors. This door elevation does not appear on sheet AE600. These same openings are unlabeled on the Floor Plans but appear to have a 2' door leaf and a 4' door leaf. Are these to be similar to door type AA? | Correct, 113 is for a room with dissimilar leafs. |
| 150 | Door openings 124, 128A, 130, 165B, and 168B appear to be aluminum clad wood doors on the elevation drawings but are not noted as such on the door schedule. | Correct, doors are called out in AE201 and the elevations, and detailed outside of the schedule information, but are clearly aluminum clad. |
| 151 | Door openings 164, 165A, and 165C are noted as blast impact doors on the elevations but are not noted as such on the door schedule. | 164 and 165A are blast impact doors, 165C is not a blast impact door. |
| 152 | Door openings 117 and 117A reflect a frame width of 6' - 0" and a door size of 4' - 0" wide. The frame elevation does not show a sidelight. Are these frame openings to be 4' - 4"? | Door is to be nominally 4'-0" on both doors. |
| 153 | Hardware sets for door openings 124, 128, 128A, 130, 135A, 135B, 145, 147A, 148B, 160, 161A, 161B, 165A, 165B, 168A, 168B, 210, 220, and 230 are noted as 'TBD'. Will these openings be specified for hardware? | See RFI 184 for clarification on the door schedule. |
| 154 | Building elevations E1/AE203, B6/AE203, and B1/AE202 show windows marked as BES-02A. Are these to actually be BES-20A, since BES-02A is not a scheduled Window Opening? | Correct |
| 155 | Door openings 165B and 168B are not marked as Aluminum Clad wood doors on the building elevations. They have sections 1/AE316 and E8/AE314, respectively. These both refer to detail D6/AE201 which is a section through the aluminum clad wood doors. However, this section references BES-21A which is not a door type included in the BES Exterior Door Schedule on drawing AE201. | see above |
| 156 | Are the ceiling-mounted patient lifts will be procured by the GC or if this will be purchased in a separate solicitation?/ Please let us know at your earliest convenience | GC provided. |
| 157 | Please clarify there are Hardware sets listed in section 087100-23 of the specification, but there is no reference on the drawings or door schedule to match which hardware set matches to what door. | Hardware sets are listed in the door schedule per VA abbreviations listed Hardware TXT |
| 158 | Please clarify there are Hardware sets listed in section 087100-23 of the specification, but there is no reference on the drawings or door schedule to match which hardware set matches to what door. | Hardware sets are listed in the door schedule per VA abbreviations listed Hardware TXT |
| 159 | Please clarify the lbs. per sf required on the Blast rated walls with 1/360 deflection. What gauge studs will be required? Will the furring and z channels need to be the same gauge? | Contractor is responsible to engineer/design walls to meet the project required loading, including but not limited to blast loading. |
| 160 | The tiling spec section for walls mentions metal lath, scratch coats, etc. over concrete and masonry. It looks like all wall tile will be installed over backer board so I do no think we will need this. Please confirm wall tile to be installed over backer board (by others), with waterproofing, and standard thinset install? We will include the ½” scratch coat of thinset with the ST-1 stone veneer as shown on F4/AE521. This question is more geared towards the wall tile in restrooms and spa. | The stone tile is approximately 23'-0 tall at the fireplace overbacker board. If you do not scratch coat, provide 1/2" cement board with polymer fortified mortar like a laticrete or equal system with full coverage on wall and stone tile per mortar system manufacturer instructions for a fireplace application, per TCNA installations. Restroom walls and spa may use different tcna standard acceptable to the manufacturer. |
| 161 | Welded reinforcing wire is mentioned in the tiling section for mortar beds. Will this reinforcing wire be required at mortar bed floor tile installations within resident bathrooms? I’ve seen this in a few older specs and it wasn’t needed. | The TCNA options offered by the VA spec include two mortar beds with reinforcing (F121-14) and (F111-14). Great care needs to be employed within the bathrooms because of the slopes throughout. We included the VA listed reinforcing because that is their spec. Most beds will slope over an inch in total in the bathrooms. If you provide no reinforcing options, we will need to see your TCNA option and eventually approve it, but we are open to a modified spec. As always, follow the tile and mortar manufacturer's recommendation on the floor system. |
| 162 | PTB-1 tile base is listed as 4” x 24” on Finish Legend. However, this tile is shown as a 6” x 24” on elevations. To keep the wall tile pattern heights matching the drawing we will include 6” x 24” tile used as base. Please confirm tile base is meant to be 6” x 24”. | PTB-1 is listed in the room finish legend as the base only. If other tile runs directly above do not use bullnose, but instead use a flat tile. The tile finish is 4x 24, the tile above is not PTB-1, but rest is PT1, typically, and is 12 x24". Adjust all tile above accordingly. |
| 163 | There is a niche shown with a question mark at the showers for both the typical resident rooms and the bariatric rooms. There is no other information for the shower niches. Should we include preformed niches in our pricing, or will they be built in? Also, will wall tile be required at all niches? | It is a recess, including a recessed shelf, see reference to B6/AE533, and F9/AE533 |
| 164 | Resident Room wall base at millwork shown as RB-2 on the Millwork Schedule. However, it shown as RB-3 on the Millwork Elevations. Please confirm which base is correct. | RB-1 is scheduled in room 112 on sheet AF114 |
| 165 | SSP-3 is a solid surface material threshold but listed in the tiling spec section. Will this be furnished and installed by the contractors responsible for the other solid surface materials or by us, the tiling contractor? | This is not question for the design team, it is the Contractor's responsibility to properly furnish and install the material per VA standards and the construction documents. |
| 166 | Are you expecting the tiling contractor to include ST-1 Stone Tile or will that be done by others? | This is not question for the design team, it is the Contractor's responsibility to properly furnish and install the material per VA standards and the construction documents. |
| 167 | Please clarify the intention to construct partitions in the West Wing for the base bid. Drawing AE113 shows partitions being built and finished. Alternate 8 states that the partitions are being shelled and only the corridor is being finished. What is the intention for the West wing and the submission for base bid and alternate 8? | The intent is for the shelled spaces to include the correctly rated subdivision between shelled spaces and non-shelled spaces, and exterior walls must completed enough that the vapor barrier and exterior envelop are not compromised. |
| 168 | Can Victaulic fittings/connectors be used? | Follow specifications. |
| 169 | Can propress be used on this project. | No. Follow the materials specified. |
| 170 | Is the use of PVC acceptable. | Follow the specifications. |
| 171 | Can the Government please verify that the NPDES Permit has been obtained from the Lebanon County Conservation District with NPDES Permit Drawings approved by (LCCD)? | Yes, the NPDES Permit has been obtained from the Lebanon County Conservation District with NPDES Permit Drawings approved by (LCCD). |
| 172 | They call out the timber to be FSC. This is not something we offer on solid sawn Douglas fir timber. We did not include FSC certification on our proposal. | FSC certifications shall be provided where noted in the specifications. |
| 173 | I will need to adjust the pricing on the lockdeck for clear coat. Clear coat is more expensive than a stain so we will make that adjustment. | Correct. Per spec, D. Seal Coat: After fabricating and surfacing each unit, apply a saturation coat of penetrating sealer on surfaces of each unit |
except for treated wood where the treatment included a water repellent. For the exterior, there is a PGP Proluxe exterior stain indicated (P-9 in the Finish schedule) for the exterior tongue and groove material which may be used in the interior to match closely if you need a seal coat (as well as top coats of Bird Slide top flashing on the top of the gluelam).
| 174 | Did the engineer that sized the timber already account for the 1 hr fire rating in the sizing of the members? If not, we will need to upsize all members for the char layer. | Members that require a char layer shall be upsized accordingly. |
| 175 | How do they plan to fire proof the lockdeck? Char layer? Surface applied fire proofing? I have a product above that we’ve used before but need clarification. | Thickness of lock-deck should be considered sufficient to be rated. |
| 176 | Their answer to 61 was unclear. Are there any exposed glulaminated timbers in our scope? The only timber I see is Select Structural Douglas fir and is not laminated. | Refer to structural drawings for wood trusses and wood deck |
| 177 | They mention glulam columns but there are no GL columns called out on the drawings | No glulam columns. However, steel columns C.9-6 & C.9-7 shall be wrapped in wood with painted finish similar to trusses. Contractors shall include this in their bids. |
| 178 | The line item in RFI response 153 states that there was an answer in Amendment 1 article 8 pertaining to missing door hardware information. However, that information was not provided. The hardware packages are not named or delegated to openings. Please tell us how to proceed or when amended information will be available and where to find it. | Refer to RFI 184 |
| 179 | RFI #45 makes reference to Lab Equipment. I have not been able to locate any Lab Equipment on the Drawings. Also, there is not a spec for Lab Equipment. Can you provide additional information? | Laboratory system to be provided and installed by contractor. |
| 180 | The answers to RFI #160 and #161 do not seem to match the questions that were asked. Can you confirm that the answers for these RFI’s | Refer to revised responses to #160 and #161 |
| 181 | There are over 20 RFI's not answered and pending responses. With the current due date and the responses already provided in amendment 4 on 7/19/2024, the market has only 4 days to process this new information and produce a price for over 170+ RFI's. Are we able to request an extension until August 1st? | PCAC: Solicitation has been extended to 8/23/24. |
| 182 | The door schedule as it stands does not have sufficient information or reference to produce a Hardware estimate. Please clarify the acronyms that are listed in the Hardware text column R3 SIM, R1 Note 1. Please tell us how to proceed. | See attached responses on attached schedule submitted as RFI #184 |
| 183 | The Type P door and the recommended hardware set do not match the function for a sliding door. | See attached responses on attached schedule submitted as RFI #184 |
| 184 | There are other line items that need clarification please review the attached schedule with notes. | Updated door schedule is provided on revised sheet AE602. |
| 185 | The responses to RFI #129, 131 and 132 appear to conflict with each other. Please confirm there is a Base Bid and all other Alternates are Add Alternates. | PCAC: The alternate line items are additiave items to be added to the base CLIN, as budget permits. |
| 186 | Please confirm on MH113 the ductwork from 1-TUS-C168 and 1-EF-C in Resident Corridor 168 is to be included with the Base Bid and all other ductwork shown on the drawing is to be included with Add Alternate #8. | Refer to RFI #7 response. |
| 187 | Please confirm all piping shown on MP113 except for the 2” HWS/R and 2 ½” GCS/R is to be included with Add Alternate #8. | All noted branch piping, typically ¾” is in included under Add Alternate #8 only, yes. Piping connections (not shown) to the 2 unit heaters 1-UH-C1 and 1-UH-C2, as noted, are to heat the shell spaces on each side of the wing under Base Bid only. |
| 188 | In regards to the response for RFI #14, please confirm the attic spaces consist only of the areas on the second floor where exposed decking is installed. | Yes |
| 189 | Drawing CS101 notes to install a Remote Liquid Oxygen Tank Fill Station near the curb along the roadway. Detail #1 on drawing P503, does not show this fill station. Please provide additional information/details. | P503 shows piping to fill station. CS101 shows fill station. Contractor shall provide remote liquid ixygen tank fill station as noted on dwgs. |
| 190 | Drawing P-503 notes mention some items being provided by the "Medical Gas Provider" and some by the "Contractor". Is part of this system being provided by someone else other than the Plumbing Contractor? | Contractor shall provide all items. |
| 191 | If the Oxygen tanks, vaporizers, control panel and accessories are to be provided by the Plumbing Contractor, kindly provide more specifications/manufacturers for these items. | Contractor shall provide all items. |
| 192 | Specification section 22 63 00, Page 24, Paragraph 3.3, there is no connection to the existing lab gas systems shown in the documents. Please clarify if there is such a connection and if so, please provide a location and additional information. | There is no connection to an existing lab gas system. |
| 193 | RFI response 53 says that A11 recessed med gas cabinets were eliminated. Please confirm if the med gas headwall fixtures/equipment are by Owner. | Med gas headwall fixtures/equipment by contractor. |
| 194 | RFI response 45 does not specify what laboratory system equipment is to be provided and installed by the Contractor. Please clarify. | Laboratory system to be provided and installed by contractor. |
| 195 | Please provide floor plans and low voltage termination locations for Building 106 and 136. | MR does not have plans showing these locations in detail. ES101 shows approximate locations where rooms are. Also, E-603 shows the rooms where the headends are located. |
| 196 | ECS Geotech Report – There are boring 8A & 9A that are not listed on the probe location map but have information in the report. Could you provide their location? | B-8A and B-9A are offsets from B-8 and B-9 respectively. They are effectively drilled at the same location as the base boring with an offset of a few feet. |
| 197 | Question 50 stated more information needs to be provide. | Revised Interior Schedule Dwg has been provided with previous RFI responses. |
| 198 | Spec Section 01 91 00 states the VA will contract with the CxA directly, but RFI response 80 states the contractor is to contract with the CxA. Please confirm the contractor is required to carry the CxA. | Contractor shall contract with the CxA directly |
| 199 | Question 81 says to confirm with the M-R. If the contractor is required to carry the CxA, the CxM would already be part of the contractor’s staff, please confirm. | Contractor shall carry the CxA and contract with them directly |
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