Attachment 01- Tech Questions - Wilmington.docx

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND

Executive Summary/Cover Letter - Reference: IFB 36C77625B0044, Section 2.8 BID SUBMISSION, Part B - BID

PACKAGE CONTENTS

The Solicitation specifies the required bid package contents in Section 2.8(B), items (a) through (l). While these requirements are clear, we note that complex construction projects often benefit from additional context regarding team structure, project approach, and key assumptions that drive pricing decisions. Would the Government consider accepting a brief Executive Summary or Cover Letter (not to exceed 3-5 pages) as supplemental information to our bid package?

This document would articulate our team structure, project timeline assumptions, key pricing drivers, and demonstrate our understanding of the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades project requirements. We understand this would be supplemental to, not in lieu of, the required bid documentation outlined in the Solicitation.

This is an IFB. No additional information will be accepted beyond the requirements stated in the solicitation.

Supporting Pricing Documentation - Reference: IFB 36C77625B0044, Section 2.8 BID SUBMISSION, Part B(c) - Price Schedule, and Section A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE The Solicitation requires completion of the Price Schedule with a lump sum price for Line Item 0001 (Base Bid) in whole dollar values. Given the complexity of this general construction project and in the interest of transparency, would the Government permit submission of supporting documentation along with our completed Price Schedule? Such documentation might include detailed material lists, labor category breakdowns, equipment schedules, and subcontractor participation matrices that substantiate our lump sum price. This supporting information would demonstrate the thoroughness of our pricing approach and could assist the Government in making the fair and reasonable price determination referenced in Section 2.13. Would such supporting documentation be acceptable as an attachment to our bid submission, provided the required Price Schedule format is completed as specified?

This is an IFB. No additional information will be accepted beyond the requirements stated in the solicitation.

Spec Section 01 00 00 references phasing plans drawings G003 & G004 on page 6 of the spec. We have not been able to locate these drawings. Please provide these documents so we can incorporate the phasing.

There are no phasing plan drawings G003 or G004. [MDS]

Spec. Section 02 82 11; Paragraph 1.1.2 Extend of Work refers to Drawing ASB-3. This drawings was not included in the bid documents. Please provide.

There is no drawing ASB-3. Work areas containing vermiculite, if any, will be identified by the VA. [MDS]

Drawing 01-AE131, detail C1 shows Room 2165A to receive SDT flooring, however this room is not listed on the Room Finish Schedule (drawing 00-AE602). Please clarify if this room requires new SDT Flooring & wall base

Yes, room 2165 is to receive SDT flooring and wall base. [MDS]

Please clarify what type of flooring is being installed for this project. The plans and spec section 09 65 19 call for Armstrong SDT tiles. However, in the Schedule for Finishes (spec section 09 06 00) it calls for Armstrong Standard Excelon tiles. Please advise.

Flooring is to be Armstrong SDT. [MDS]

The hardware schedule included on the bid documents does not match the current building standard. The Wilmington VA does not use Von Duprin mortise locks, nor Sargent panic locksets. Please advise.

Specifications were revised to Best locks.

Please provide more information regarding the work detailed on drawings 01-ST201, 01-ST202, 01-AE410. Is this area located in an interior courtyard? How will the contractor gain access to this area? What is currently in the area where the new TR 1024 will be constructed? Will the contractor have access to the “Open to Below” area shown on the plans? If so, how and from where?

Yes, new TR 1024 is to be constructed in an interior courtyard. Access is available through an existing door from corridor. The area open to below is usable by the contractor. [MDS]

Per drawing 01-ST201, the area drain is existing to remain. However, on drawing 01-AE410 / F1; note D12 calls to remove the drain and piping shown within the footprint of the new room. Please advise.

Existing drain is to remain in place per the structural sheet. [MDS]

Please confirm the required ICRA level for this project and identify the specific locations where ICRA measures must be implemented.

1. Provide active means to control airborne dust from dispersing into occupied areas and/or water mist surface to control dust (e.g., Mobile Dust Containment Cart or some other system).

2. Ensure worker clothing is clean and free of visible dust before leaving the work area.

3. Remove or isolate air diffusers (supply and return) to protect the HVAC system from dust and reduce air turbulence. Rebalance system to address diffuser isolation.

4. When the work involves or impacts potable water systems including stagnation due to reduced usage, the piping shall be flushed twice a week or isolated from the main system.

5. Seal doors to prevent dust migration.

6. Contain all trash and debris in the work area. Perform daily cleaning and disposal of trash (covered) from work area using an identified exit route.

7. Any equipment, tools, or materials removed from the work area must be in sealed containers and/or cleaned of dust and debris prior to removal from the area.

8. Nonporous/smooth and cleanable containers (with a hard lid) must be used to transport trash and debris from the construction areas. These containers must be damp-wiped cleaned and free of visible dust/debris before leaving the contained work area.

9. Install a sticky (dust collection) mat at entrance of contained work area based on facility policy. Sticky mats must be changed routinely and when visibly soiled.

10. Maintain clean surroundings when area is not contained by damp mopping or HEPA vacuuming surfaces at least daily.

*** FOR ALL LOCATIONS IN MAIN HOSPITAL ***

OUT BUILDINGS MAY BE LOWER.

Please confirm whether an existing roof warranty is in place. Multiple areas of the roof will require cutting and patching for mechanical penetrations. If a warranty exists, please identify the responsible party for performing the re-roofing and patch work to maintain warranty compliance.

Roofing System is Mule Hide. Prime Contractor SHALL use an authorized Mule Hide installer to perform and work on the roofing system to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

Specification 01 00 00 - H - 2 provides several Phasing Drawings to reference, G003 & G004. These were not provided in the solicitation. Please provide.

G003 and G004 are not part of this project. [MDS]

Please confirm whether asbestos is known to be present on the project site. Additionally, if asbestos is encountered during the course of the work, please clarify whether the VA will be responsible for its removal.

Asbestos is always properly remediated from the facility when encountered. If any is found a change order will be issued to the firm for proper removal. VA will provide 3rd party verification that area has been properly abated.

Have you received any requests for additional time for bidding? Would it be possible to request additional time.

Bid due date extended to 8/26/2025

Sheet Keynote A49 (throughout the bid documents): Water barrier between TR and toilets, breakrooms, kitchens, etc., typical at red dashed line. Please provide more information regarding the installation of the requested water barrier.

Please see detail C5 on sheet 00-AE603 for information. [MDS]

Conduit Sleeves There is a note on the drawings that says, “CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE NEW 1" OR

2" SLEEVE WITH FIRE-STOPPING INTO EACH ROOM WITH NEW CABLING.”

Are these specific sleeves to be furnished and installed by the Electrical Contractor or the Telecom Contractor?

If by the Electrical Contractor, does the Telecom Contractor own the installation of the firestop putty after installing cables through the sleeve?

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate.

Fire-Rated Pathway See drawing 02/05-TN300.

Are the fire-rated pathway devices PW-CPW-1 to be furnished and installed by the Electrical Contractor or the Telecom Contractor?

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate.

Backboards Which contractor is to furnish and install the TELEPHONE/DATA TERMINAL BACKBOARDS shown on the architectural drawings as Keynote T12?

GC to coordinate. [MDS]

Grounding Bars Please clarify whether the Electrical Contractor or the Telecom Contractor is to furnish and install the grounding bars described on drawing 00-TN400.

Specifically, SC-GND-1, SC-GND-2, and SC-GND-3?

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate.

Cable Tray Is all basket cable tray (such as SC-CT-1 and SC-CT-2), even that within the Telecom Rooms, to be furnished and installed by the Electrical Contractor?

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate.

Unknown Symbol See drawing 15-TN400.1.

There is a symbol on the drawing at cabinet BG23 in the lower right portion of the drawing. What does this symbol represent?

The symbol is not applicable in this case.

Camera Cabling The Tri-M Group is currently installing security cabling under another project at the Wilmington VA Medical Center called “Avigilon Campus Wide Camera Upgrade”. Are the camera cables that we are presently installing as part of that project to be demolished by the EHRM project? I ask because the demolition drawings all have a sheet note that says “EXISTING CABLING TO BE REMOVED

FROM END TO END AND REPLACED WITH NEW DATA CABLES.”

Awen (MR) -

GC to coordinate with other ongoing projects at campus and raise all scope overlap questions in the form of pre-bid RFI (such as this).

Awen’s recommendation is to leave the new cabling as-is, no need to demo and replace. Remove this cabling from scope.

VA to provide final confirmation.

Building 1 Riser Conduits Are all riser conduits for the fiber optic cabling being installed by the Electrical Contractor or the Telecom Contractor?

Particularly in Building 1 (the main hospital).

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate.

Outside Plant & Innerduct Are all the outside plant duct banks new? Including the hand holes and manholes?

If new, is this to be furnished and installed by the Electrical Contractor or the Telecom Contractor?

Is innerduct required in the outside plant conduits?

If so, please also provide details on the size and number of innerducts required in each conduit.

All outside plant duct banks, man holes, and hand holes are new

Refer to the Suggested Matrix of Responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 for contractor responsibility. GC to coordinate

Yes, provide Maxcell innerduct in each conduit based on manufacturer recommendations.

Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum?

Sign in sheet was provided in Amendment 02 on 8/6/2025

To allow sufficient time to review responses and prepare our bid we kindly request that you please extend the bid date.

Bid due date extended to 8/26/2025

Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

Per 01 35 26 1.7C, the SSHO must be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO. [MDS]

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

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. [MDS]

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

Yes. [MDS]

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

N/A [MDS]

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

No, per item 33. [MDS]

Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal?

Veterans Affairs is a federal agency and is tax exempt.

Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

Attachment 04-DBA Wage Rates 7.22.25.pdf from solicitation is still the most current wage rates.

Please confirm if the current prevailing wages will be consistent for the life of the project with no escalation?

Yes

Please confirm any minority business participation requirements.

This requirement is set aside for SDVOSB concerns per the solicitation.

Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

Per 01 91 00 1.9, the VA shall appoint an individual, company or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent. [MDS]

Please advise how much time we should carry for initial safety training of employees working on site. Also, is training good for the contract duration or will they need to be retrained annually?

Training requirements are outlined in 01 35 26, section 1.8. Per paragraph D, all other construction workers shall have the OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety Outreach course. There is no requirement for this training to be repeated. [MDS]

Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

STARC FireblockWall or other ICRA-satisfying temporary plastic panels are acceptable. [MDS]

Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends?

Yes, refer to the VA for confirmation on power shutdowns.

Please confirm if there are any domestic material requirements.

If included in contract, 48 CFR Part 25 includes rules surrounding the Buy American Act, found at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-D/part-25 [MDS]

With regards to the minority participation requirements, please confirm if the value of the sole source products/vendors/contractors can be deducted from the total contract value to determine the final participation goals.

This requirement is set aside for SDVOSB concerns per the solicitation.

Please provide three recommended resources for vendors or contractors local to the project site.

Please indicate what type of resources are being sought. [MDS]

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?

No, these are not a requirements. Install refrigerant systems in accordance with ASME B31.5.

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?

No, these are not a requirements. Install refrigerant systems in accordance with ASME B31.5.

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

N/A [MDS]

If hydrostatic testing is required will the water necessary for hydrostatic testing of piping systems be provided by the facility?

Unless part of coordinated shutdown, the facility will provide water for hydrostatic testing. [MDS]

Can discharge water from hydrostatic testing be allowed to go into sewer drains or will the contractor need to provide a frac tank?

There is no requirement for a frac tank. [MDS]

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

Same answer as Queston #19.

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

GC to coordinate with COR in advance to ensure all areas required for work are in clean and safe condition. [MDS]

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

Per 01 35 26, hot work operations shall be performed and safeguarded in accordance with NFPA 241 and 51B. [MDS]

Who is responsible for all coordination drawings if required? Who will act as the “Gate Keeper”

All drawings and related information shall go through Awen Solutions as the prime design contract holder. [MDS]

Will it be the responsibility of the mechanical contractor to lead the coordination process?

No.

Will the mechanical contractor be responsible for clash detection and reporting during the coordination process?

No.

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.

Please confirm the extent of any duct cleaning scope requirements.

Existing duct cleaning is not included in scope.

Is there a particular vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System?

Johnson Controls International – Metasys Building Automation.

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Telecommunications System?

Maintained by an in-house communications technician.

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Fire Alarm System?

The Existing Fire Alarm systems are Notifier Systems. Contact Local Notifier Vendor.

It is noticed that every data closet has intrusion motion detectors. Are each individual room required to be alarms with a Bosch Intrusion Panel and Keypad for Arm/Disarm Function. If yes, the intuition panels will need to report back to Lenel via Bosch Integration License. If no, will the alarms tie directly to Lenel.

Awen (MR) -

No separate arm/disarm keypad required for room occupancy sensors tie directly to Lenel panels.

Should additional Lenel Reader License be provided to support added doors. If yes, Please use Lenel Part Number PRO64-RUP.

Awen (MR) - Yes, provide new licenses for newly added security devices.

VA to advise on current license agreement with Lenel and if there are any licenses that can be recycled.

Because we were limited to non-destructive investigative techniques without structural drawings, it was our intent to respond with structural details once the extent and design of the dumbwaiter shaft has been exposed. We recommend potential contractors include an allowance for those instances.

Please see Amendment 005 for revised 087100 - Door Hardware.

image1.jpeg