Attachment 15 - Des Moines IA - Bldg 1 Level 1 - Tech Questions Tracker.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77625B0027

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE:

Renovations Bldg. 1 Level 1 Clinic – Des Moines, IA

# RECEIVED ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 7/24/25 There is some exterior parking/paving and access renovations. What Phase of work does this fall into?

The exterior work will happen simultaneously as the work inside.

2 7/24/25 Is it possible to visit the site again to view some existing conditions?

There will be no additional site visits.

3 7/24/25 Drawing QH411 calls for Contractor to furnish and install M3110 Cabinet Warming Dual Freestanding. Is there an equipment specification or make/model number we are supposed to match?

M3110 to be VA Furnished and Installed. This will be revised in Addendum #1.

4 7/24/25 There is some new roofing required for temporary and new roof. Is the existing roof under warranty and is there a specific sub we need to engage to maintain the warranty.

Existing roof warranties have expired. GC to protect existing roofs during work.

5 7/24/25 Can the Superintendent also be the Quality Control Manager?

No, per Spec Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4B.

6 7/24/25 We would like to respectfully request a short extension to the proposal submission deadline.

See Solicitation Amendment 0003.

7 7/24/25 Is the Asbestos inspection report referenced in the asbestos plans provided in the documents?

This will be provided in Addendum #1.

8 7/24/25 General Note #2 on sheet CS101 notes to stripe pavement to match current campus operations. Can the VA provide specific information regarding what striping is expected at new pavement / sidewalk / curb?

Pavement striping would include new center line (size and color match existing) and pedestrian crossing (size and color match existing). Paint should follow local IA DOT standards.

9 7/24/25 Detail 4/C-100 depicts an asphalt paving section. In reviewing the balance of the site plans there does not appear to be any new asphalt paving on the project. Can the VA please either change the site plans to reflect asphalt paving where required, or clarify the inclusion of this section?

There is no new asphalt pavement. If any existing asphalt pavement is damaged or needs replacement, then this detail can be followed. All new pavement will be concrete. Dowels apply where concrete meets existing concrete.

10 7/24/25 Key Note DE28 on sheet AD111 calls for the removal and salvage of systems furniture for reinstall later. Will the VA be storing this furniture or is it the expectation that the GC will store this material?

GC to store salvaged systems furniture per Spec Section 01 00 00. See plans sheet GC 111 for scope of work delineated areas. Key Note DE28 on sheet AD111 not required.

11 7/24/25 There is MEP work in the ceiling above the basement server room. What will be the process for getting plumbers, acoustical tile contractors, etc. in there to complete work?

GC/Contractors shall coordinate facility access with VA COR for Rooms B405, B407, B409.

12 7/24/25 Wall section 1/AE312 Depicts foundation insulation up against the existing concrete wall. Is it the intent of this project to excavate out the exterior wall to install new foundation insulation or is that meant to depict existing foundation insulation?

The intent is to excavate this exterior wall and install foundation insulation as indicated in the drawings. Civil drawings will be revised in Addendum #1 to show the removal and replacement of concrete in this area.

13 7/24/25 Elevations on AE411 identify several items (paper towel dispenser, TPD, Grab Bars, etc.) that do not appear on the equipment schedule. If items such as these are not specifically identified as supply or install by the VA is it to be assumed they are provided and installed by the GC?

Correct these items will be provided by VA and installed by the General Contractor. See Question # 14

14 7/24/25 The equipment schedule depicts Equipment # A5106 and A5111 as waste disposal unit, sharps, wall mounted. A5111 is contractor installed, A5106 is VA installed. Can the VA clarify that these are both labeled correctly?

Confirmed, both Equipment #A5106 and #A5111 are labeled correctly. Wall mounted items: Sharps, Sanitary Napkin dispenser, Sanitary Napkin disposal, Towel dispenser, Soap Dispenser, Curtain Tracks, Glove Boxes, Clocks to be provided by VA and Installed per sheet A640. All other items to be provided by GC.

15 7/24/25 Elevation 19/AE411 depicts equipment item # A5090, that piece of equipment is not identified in the equipment schedule. Can the VA please confirm what that piece of equipment is and what identify the responsibility for provide and install of that equipment?

Item #A5090 is a surface mounted sanitary napkin disposal and shall be provided and installed by the General Contractor. This will be revised in Addendum #1.

16 7/24/25 Elevation 10/AE412 and the equipment schedule identify a cabinet warming unit, dual, freestanding to be contractor provided and contractor installed. These are typically provided and installed by the VA, can a specification, model #, etc. be provided for the unit that is required in this location?

M3110 to be VA Furnished and Installed. This will be revised in Addendum #1.

17 7/24/25 The opening schedule identifies a door panel type of HM-F for opening 1430, no such panel type is shown or referenced in the door panel naming table. Can this please be clarified?

Opening 1430 should be identified with door panel type HM-F. This will be revised in Addendum #1.

18 7/24/25 There is no spec section provided for helical piles/anchors other than what is on sheet SS001, does the contract need to have a specification section?

Yes, spec section for helical piles will be issued in Addendum #1.

19 7/24/25 Specification section 01 45 00 paragraph 3.4.B identifies qualifications for the CQC System Manager, this section of the specs is supposed to be modified to insert the specific numbers of years of construction experience needed to qualify on this project, that information was not inserted. Also, this paragraph requires the CQC System Manager to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or graduate of construction management. In the past we have seen this requirement “Or x number of years of relevant experience.”

Can the wording of this paragraph be changed to include a number of years’ experience in lieu of a degree?

Section 3.4B will be updated in Addendum #1 to include “with a minimum of 5 years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract.”

20 7/24/25 In reference to 01 45 00, in the past we have seen language that the CQC System Manger can also perform the duties of the superintendent. That language was not found in these specifications. So for the sake of clarity it appears that for this project the VA is requiring there to be a minimum of 3 full-time dedicated individuals on site at all times that work is taking place: SSHO, CQC Systems Manager, and Project Superintendent. Can the VA please confirm this is the staffing they are going to require on this project?

Yes, per Spec Section 01 35 26, Part 1.9 and Spec Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4B.

21 7/24/25 Over the last 5-7 years the State of Iowa has refused to issue tax exempt certificates for construction projects at the VA Hospital. The language in the solicitation is vague stating that the contractor is to include all applicable taxes. Can the VA confirm in plain language that a tax exempt certificate will not be issued on this project?

Please see pg.53 “Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229- 3: Federal, State and Local Taxes” in solicitation for tax exempting details.

22 7/24/25 Will any space be available on the campus for on-site storage trailers during this project?

Per Spec Section 1.6, on-site storage areas to be authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer.

23 7/24/25 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

No, per Spec Section 01 35 36, Part 1.9.

24 7/24/25 If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

Yes, per Spec Section 01 35 36, Part 1.9.

25 7/24/25 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

No, per Spec Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4B.

26 7/24/25 If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

Yes, per Spec Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4B.

27 7/24/25 Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

No, per Spec Section 01 35 26, Part 1.9 and Spec Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4B.

28 7/24/25 Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? Please see pg.53 “Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229- 3: Federal, State and Local Taxes” in solicitation for tax exempting details.

29 7/24/25 Please confirm if the current prevailing wages will be consistent for the life of the project with no escalation?

Use applicable wage rates per Solicitation Amendment 0003, firm fixed price.

30 7/24/25 Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

Yes, the current documents meet the current VA TIL guidelines at the time of issuance.

31 7/24/25 Please clarify A.3 Price/cost schedule: CLINS 003, and 004 also include the base bid?

Line Item 0003 should reflect the cost of the base bid minus the pneumatic tube station at Microbiology B213, energy recovery system.

Line Item 0004 should reflect the cost of base bid minus the pneumatic tube station at Microbiology B213, energy recovery system, and the elevator system and related equipment.

32 7/24/25 Please clarify on the drawings where the outlined or delineations of the Alternates are located

Deduct Alternates are clearly identified throughout the CDs on all discipline drawings.

33 7/24/25 Are the phases on the drawing the same as the alternates? No, the General Contractor should coordinate the alternate work between each phase.

34 7/24/25 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

Per Detail 1/GC112, a pre-manufactured temporary construction barrier could be used in lieu of built temp wall pending they meet the 1-hour rating. (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements)

35 7/24/25 Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends?

Per Spec Section 01 00 00, Part 1.6H.3 GC must coordinate shutdowns of any active MEP equipment during construction with VA COR.

36 7/24/25 Please confirm if the code requirements for mechanical piping installation and testing are subject to ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping, and will the mechanical installation contractor be required to hold an ASME U, S, H or R stamp?

Yes, piping shall conform to ASME B31.9. Certify each welder and welding operator has passed AWS qualification tests and certification is current. All welds shall be stamped according to the provision of the AWS or ASME. Installing contractor is not required to hold ASME U, S, H, or R stamps.

37 7/24/25 Please confirm if the code requirements for mechanical piping installation and testing are subject to B31.1 Power Piping and will the mechanical installation contractor be required to hold an ASME U, S, H or R stamp?

Yes, piping shall conform to ASME B31.1. Certify each welder and welding operator has passed AWS qualification tests and certification is current. All welds shall be stamped according to the provision of the AWS or ASME. Installing contractor is not required to hold ASME U, S, H, or R stamps.

38 7/24/25 Will hydrostatic testing be sufficient on all pipe welds or will x-ray be required?

Tests shall be either of those below, or a combination, as approved by the COR.

An operating test at design pressure, and for hot systems, design maximum temperature.

A hydrostatic test at 1.5 times design pressure.

39 7/24/25 If X-ray is required, what percentage of welds and who will be responsible for the cost of testing?

See above.

40 7/24/25 Please confirm if there is assumed asbestos on any piping that is to be removed whether underground or within manholes or buildings?

The pipe insulation included in the designs and abatement plans tested positive for asbestos content as part of the asbestos survey and was not assumed to contain asbestos. Only buildings were included in the asbestos and lead surveys, designs or abatement plans. Materials underground, or within manholes were not included in the asbestos and lead surveys, designs or abatement plans.

41 7/24/25 Will boiler and chiller plant, mechanical rooms etc. be cleared of all stored debris prior to the contractor entering those areas?

VA will provide removal if needed.

42 7/24/25 Will a full-time fire watch be required during activities such as cutting and welding? How long after such activities are completed?

Yes. Adequate fire extinguishing facilities will be available at all times. All work will be performed in accordance with recognized fire protection standards, including NFPA 51B.

1 hour after completion of hot work operations.

43 7/24/25 Will it be the responsibility of the mechanical contractor to lead the coordination process?

All GC/ contractors shall participate in the coordination process.

44 7/24/25 Will the mechanical contractor be responsible for clash detection and reporting during the coordination process?

All GC/ contractors shall participate in the coordination process.

45 7/24/25 Will any existing glycol be required to be removed and disposed of by the contractor? If so, can the total volume of glycol be provided?

No existing glycol will need to be removed by the GC. GC to provide a waste report to COR for this item.

46 7/24/25 Please confirm the extent of any duct cleaning scope requirements.

Cleaning of existing ductwork is limited to locations of new ductwork connections.

47 7/24/25 Is there a particular vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System?

Johnson Controls.

48 7/30/2025 Signage per plan sheet AW 601 Detail 2 For Mechanical, Electrical and IT spaces only room sign IN-03.01 ROOM NUMBER ID required per new signage guide. Description sign IN-04.01 PRIMARY ROOM ID not required.