RFI Responses - Des Moines VACIHCS 8-7-25.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 17 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C77625B0043_1
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) response tracking sheet for a VA construction project at the Des Moines VACIHCS facility. The solicitation (36C77625B0020) involves expanding and remodeling a laboratory, with a focus on minor construction work. The RFI contains 41 technical questions and responses covering critical project details such as site logistics, utility work, safety requirements, and technical specifications. Key points include requirements for separate Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) roles, shutdown procedures during off-hours, hydrostatic testing protocols, and specific site conditions like underground utility work and potential rock removal.
The project involves complex construction parameters, including specific requirements for temporary wall panels, fire watch procedures, and coordination with existing building systems maintained by vendors like JCI (Building Automation and Fire Alarm Systems) and Baker Group (Telecommunications). The VA will provide water for testing and allow contractors to use locked storage containers on-site. Contractors must adhere to strict safety and technical specifications, including ICRA requirements, utility work limitations, and environmental considerations such as topsoil restoration and potential tree removal. The solicitation is being managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center in Austin, with no specified set-asides or pricing terms detailed in this document.
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Sheet1
| TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET | ||
| SOLICITATION #: 36C77625B0020 | PROJECT TITLE: Des Moines VACIHCS - Minor - Construction - Expand and Remodel Lab - 636-130 | |
| No. | CONTRACTOR QUESTION | VA RESPONSE |
| 1 | We would like to respectfully request a short extension to the proposal submission deadline. | The Bid due date will not be changed. Please follow this solicitation on SAM.gov for any updates. |
| 2 | Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum? | Sign-In sheet was posted 7/28 as Amend 0001. All amendments must be aknowledged with the bid. |
| 3 | Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? | Please refer to Solicitation - FAR 52.229-3 and special note after. Iowa is NOT TAX Exempt. |
| 4 | Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county. | A wage determination was provided as Attachment 2 of this solicitation. If there is a change prior to the closing of the solicitation an amendment will be posted with that change. |
| 5 | Please confirm if the current prevailing wages will be consistent for the life of the project with no escalation? | The wage determination awarded with the contract will be consistent and will not be updated throughout the life of the contract. |
| 6 | Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? | Please see; Specification Section 01 91 00, Paragraph 1.9.A. |
| 7 | Below Grade Steam Pipe and Chilled Water (D-001, C-004). Please provide documnetation of all utilities with GPS coordinates. | See revised drawings issued with these responses. |
| 8 | Below Grade Steam Pipe and Chilled Water materials. It appears that specifications for any new below grade pipe are not included in sections 23 2113 Hydronic Pipe or 23 2223 Steam Pipe. Please provide specifications of desired below grade pipe systems. During installation XRAY examination of all welds was also required. Please indicate if this is desired on this project. | Revision to drawings will be issued after bid award if needed. |
| 9 | Below Grade 6 inch CWS and CWR (sheet MPD10U). It is indicated to remove this piping and to refer to civil drawings. There does not appear to be matching connecting piping shown on the civil drawings. Please advise intent here. | Civil Plan C-004, Detail 2 shows new CWS and CWR piping being installed from the removal point (at the expansion loop to NW of the building addition) to a point 5.0' from the face of the proposed building addition. |
| 10 | Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? | Specification Section 01 35 26: Paragraph 1.7.C defines the requirements for the SSHO. "However, the SSHO has be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO" |
| 11 | If the SSHO is a separate qualified individual, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project? | Specification Section 01 32 26: Paragraph 1.7.A states "The Prime Contractor shall designate a minimum of one SSHO at each project site that will be identified as the SSHO to administer the Contractor's safety program and government-accepted Accident Prevention Plan. " Paragraph 1.7.D states "The SSHO or an equally-qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-6: Superintendence by the Contractor. CPs will maintain presence during their construction activities in |
accordance with above mentioned clause."
| 12 | Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? | No. Specification Section 01 45 00: Paragraph 3.4.B. defines the requirement for the CQC "Systems Manager (QCM). This CQC System manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CDQC System Manager’s absence. The requirements for the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager." |
| 13 | If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project? | Yes. Specification Section 01 45 00: Paragraph 3.4.B. defines the requirement for the CQC "Systems Manager (QCM). This CQC System manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CDQC System Manager’s absence. The requirements for |
the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager."
| 14 | Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? | See Response to questions 10-13 above. |
| 15 | Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements? | The VA Des Moines does allow the use of STARC wall panels or Equivalent. |
| 16 | Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends? | Yes |
| 17 | Will hydrostatic testing be sufficient on all pipe welds or will x-ray be required? | Civil Spec 33 10 00 Water Utilities does not require x-ray of welds. 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. |
| 18 | If X-ray is required, what percentage of welds and who will be responsible for the cost of testing? | See answer to Question 17. |
| 19 | If hydrostatic testing is required will the water necessary for hydrostatic testing of piping systems be provided by the facility? | Hydrostatic testing is required per Spec 33 10 00 Water Utilities. The VA will provide water. |
| 20 | Can discharge water from hydrostatic testing be allowed to go into sewer drains or will the contractor need to provide a frac tank? | No, the contractor will need to provide a frac tank. |
| 21 | Will works areas be cleared of all stored items and debris prior to the contractor entering those areas? | Yes |
| 22 | Will a full-time fire watch be required during activities such as cutting, grinding, brazing, and welding? How long after such activities are completed? | Yes. Adequate fire extinguishing facilities must 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 |
| 23 | 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? | It is unclear if the existing heating water contains glycol and what the total volume is. Contractor will be required to dispose of glycol if the minimum demolition of the existing terminal heating equipment contains it. See Specifications Section 23 05 11. Paragraph 3.6.C |
| 24 | Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System? | JCI, as noted in 23 09 23. |
| 25 | Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Fire Alarm System? | The vendor is JCI. |
| 26 | Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Telecommunications System? | Baker Group |
| 27 | With regards to underground utility work how much open trenching will be allowed at a time? | Length of open trench in advance of piping laying shall not be greater than is authorized by the Resident Engineer. |
| 28 | After backfilling, topsoil and seed have been applied who is responsible for watering? If the contractor is responsible will water be provided by the facility? | Contractor is responsible for watering (See Section 1.8, spec 32 90 00 Planting). Section 2.14, spec 32 90 00 says that the source needs to be approved by COR and suitable quantity for irrigation. The contractor can use VA water. |
| 29 | On all underground utility work please confirm if excavated material is acceptable for re-use as backfill? | Excavated material is acceptable as backfill. See "Utility Trench Backfill" on pg. 13 of Attachment 7 - Appendix A - Geotechnical Engineering Report for additional requirements for trench backfill. |
| 30 | Please confirm if the contractor is responsible for any rock removal that is encountered. If so, what is the assumed elevations and quantity of rock material? | Contractor will be required to remove excavated rock. There is no information available about the elevations or quantity of rock material within the project limits of excavation. See Terracon geotechnical report dated August 17, 2020 for anticipated soil types within the excavation limits of the project. |
| 31 | Please confirm if a unit price can be established for rock removal as opposed to carrying in bid? | No |
| 32 | Please confirm if an onsite arborist is required for any tree removal or tree protection? | No onsite arborist is required for tree removal or tree protection |
| 33 | Please advise if the site contains any contaminated soil that needs to be removed. | No known contaminated soils are located within the project excavation limits. No contaminated soils were identified in the Terracon geotechnical report dated August 17, 2020. However, this does not guarantee that there is no contaminated soil within the project excavation limits. |
| 34 | Please confirm if we will be allowed to keep a locked storage container or conex box within the grounds. | Yes |
| 35 | 6 Questions below reference: Laboratory equipment- Section 115200- Page 7 Section 2.06 | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 36 | C,7: Wording Identifies need for 316L Jacket. Standard is 304. 316 jacket is generally not required for a decon unit. Does owner still want 316L jacket quoted? | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 37 | D,12: identifies a steam generator. We are assuming this is erroneous since steam source lists House Steam. | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 38 | D,14: Lists air detector (integral factory piping). This is generally only required on manufacturing units in a GMP environment want to meet EN285 Steam Quality specs for exporting product to the EU. Assuming this is not needed, but please check with owner. | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 39 | D,15: Seismic tie downs generally not required in Iowa. Please check if this is a project requirement. | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 40 | D,16: Notes air compressor. Please verify that the facility has compressed air available ( I believe it does, but want to make sure). | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
| 41 | G,5: Effluent Decontamination Configuration: USDA Ames facility has its own waste decon system. All effluent is treated by the facility before going to common sewer. As such most of the existing BSL-3 units on site do not have this piping since the facility has it’s own system. Please verify that this is still needed per the spec | Spec Section 11 52 00 is not a part of this project. |
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