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TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND
| SOLICITATION #: |
| 36C77625R0030 |
| RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET |
| PROJECT TITLE: |
| Replace/Construct Building 121 |
| # |
| RECEIVED |
| SENT TO COR |
| COR RESPONSE |
| ANSWERED |
| CONTRACTOR QUESTION |
| VA RESPONSE |
| 5/5/2025 |
| The drawing sections for Civil, Technology, and Fire Alarm are noted on the plan legend but have not been included in the file set. |
Please provide the missing drawing sections.
Va response: The files are uploaded to SAM.gov. Fire Alarm drawings are located at the end of the Technology drawings.
| Regarding the on-site personnel positions of Superintendent, SSHO, and QCM, is it permitted that the same individual serve as two or more of these positions simultaneously? Or must these positions be filled by separate individuals? |
| VA response: Super intendent can also serve as the CQC system manager if the individual meets the qualifications for CQC systems manager, Ref Spec 01 45 00, section 3.4(B). SSHO per spec, shall be a full-time role with no other duties. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| The performance period of 274 days does not seem sufficient to allow for the completion of this project. Would the VA consider extending the Period of Performance to at least 365 days to allow for a more feasible schedule? |
VA response: The period of performance was revised to 365 calendar days from notice to proceed. Please see amendment 0004 for details.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Would the VA consider allowing an administrative NTP prior to the start of the Period of Performance to allow time for submittals and procurement |
VA response.: No. Period of Performance will be revised to 365 calendar days after notice to proceed.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Would the acceptance of any of the alternate option prices include a change in the period of performance? If so, please list the period of performance adjustment correlated with each alternate option. |
VA response.: There will be no change to period of performance if alternate deduct is awarded.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is this project sales tax exempt? |
VA response: The contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the State of Texas to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or completely used in the performance of the contract is subject to exemption from Texas Sales and Use taxes under the code. To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete a Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate when it purchases construction materials for this contract. See solicitation for details.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Are any parts of this project required to be completed during off-hours, nights, or weekends? |
VA response: Utility shutdowns such as electrical, water, etc. that affect campus operations must be completed outside of normal working hours. The contractor will coordinate with the VA COR during these periods to identify the best timeframes with minimal impacts to campus.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is the testing and balancing contractor required to be hired directly by the prime contractor? |
| VA response: Yes, TAB agency/specialist shall be subcontractors to the prime (GC). Please refer to spec section 23 05 93, 1.4 Submittals for more information. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is the controls integration contractor required to be hired directly by the prime contractor? |
VA response: Yes, integration contractor shall be subcontractors to the prime (GC). Please refer to spec section 23 09 23, 1.4 Quality Assurance for more information.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Lobby (03) and waiting room (02) are indicated to receive Terrazo floor finish, but on finish plans it is difficult to determine where TZT-1 finish ends and LVT-1 finish associated with corridor C01 begins. Is the contractor safe to assume TZT-1 finish is to be provided only East of column line 5 and South of Horizontal line C? |
VA response: Corridor C01 to be TZT-1
| 6/9/2025 |
| If alternate option 14 is chosen and the contractor is to provide shell spaces only for the 16 offices indicated, please clarify to what extent these rooms are to be built out. Based on the documents, it appears under this option the contractor is to include the construction of the framing, drywall, and door assemblies only, excluding paint, ceilings, floor finishes, casework, counters, furnishings, etc. Please clarify if the intent of Line item 014 is to include anything further than drywall assemblies and door assemblies correlated with the shell spaces. |
VA response: Electrical outlets, sprinklers, and basic lighting should also be provided in the spaces. Also, HVAC ducts (without grilles) should be provided.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there any known asbestos-containing or hazardous material within the area to be demolished as part of this project> Please confirm the contractor is not responsible for any abatement or testing for hazardous materials as part of this contract. |
VA response: No asbestos should be in building 121. The building was built in 2011.
| 6/9/2025 |
| For pricing purposes, s the contractor to anticipate contaminated soils within the work area? If so, is the contractor responsible for removal and disposal of contaminated soils? |
VA response: MEDVAMC is not anticipating contaminated soils. Should the awardee find a differing site condition, we’ll treat it as such post award.
| 6/9/2025 |
| If contaminated soils are encountered, are these permitted to be used as backfill? |
| VA response: MEDVAMC is not anticipating contaminated soils. Should the awardee find a differing site condition, we’ll address post award. |
Please confirm, is an AISC certification required for both steel fabricators and erectors?
VA response: Working on reponse
| 6/9/2025 |
| What are the requirements regarding the environmental conditions in the existing building to be demolished? Is the contractor responsible for abatement / remediation of hazardous material? Please provide specifications clarifying the scope requirements related to the environmental conditions of the existing building |
VA response: No asbestos should be in building 121. The building was built in 2011.
| Please provide an environmental report for the existing building if available |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a means of quantifying the amount of abatement / remediation required as part of this contract, for bidding purposes. |
| VA Response: No asbestos should be in building 121. The building was built in 2011. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there a proprietary contractor required or recommended to provide the nurse call system? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact |
| VA response: Per spec the new nurse call system and code blue shall be an extension of the existing campus nurse call system – Rauland Borg Responder 5. The new system must be compatible to Rauland Borg Responder 5. Propriety contractor is not required. MEDVAMC has utilized this company below regularly for Nurse Call/Code Blue efforts in the past. |
Lone Star Communications Houston, Inc.
Subcontractor: 4210 South Drive Houston, Texas 77053
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there a proprietary contractor required or recommended to provide the Access control and/or video surveillance systems? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact |
| VA response: Access Control and Video Surveillance must be compatible with the existing system. the below contractor has performed work at our campus in the past. |
DAC, Inc.
11251 Northwest Fwy Suite 200 Houston, TX 77092
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there a proprietary contractor required or recommended to provide the fire alarm system? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact |
| VA response: No. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there a proprietary contractor required or recommended to provide the DDC controls and integration? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact |
| VA response: Controls and Integration must be compatible with the existing system. The below contractor has performed work at our campus in the past. |
Johnson Controls Houston Industrial Office:
10644 W Little York Rd #200 Houston, TX 77041
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a Geotech report if available. |
| VA response: Geotech report is provided. See “Amendment 0004 - Att. 2 - Bldg. 121 Geotech Report” |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is the contractor responsible for hiring a geotechnical engineer as part of this project? |
| VA response: Please refer to special Inspector section 01 45 35 for reference. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Underground Telecom runs are not shown on Civil or Telecom drawings. Please clarify where the telecom duct bank is to be located and provide a detail showing location of entry into the building. |
| VA response: Please see details 4 and 6 on sheet t-601. Existing fiber cabling serving b121 comes from b110 (see cg-101 and cs-101). The goal is to remove the existing cabling to the nearest accessible point (preferably a manhole) during existing building demolition. From this point, new fiber cabling would be fusion spliced to the old cabling and routed to the new tr. new fiber cabling should match existing. New handholes and conduit will need to be provided for routing new cabling to new tr as shown on sheet t-601. There should be no building entry detail because new conduit should run under building slab and sweep up into the new tr through the floor. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| I'd like to know if this solicitation would require the buildings to be certified sustainable under the Guiding Principles Compliance for federal Buildings, and if we as a MBE/WBE have the opportunity to be partnered with the prime consultants pursuing the solicitations. |
| VA response: See solicitation for requirements pertaining to this question. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Because the site has both Rauland Responder 5 and new Jeron Provider 790 nurse call code blue installed in the clinics/surgery area; will the Government accept the Or Equal of Jeron Provider 790 nurse call code blue? It’s in the best interest of the Government to allow both because both exist within the facility today, with the Jeron being installed most recently in 2024/2025 and will create a competitive cost savings to the Government. Additionally, Jeron is fully BAA compliant. |
| VA response: Correct, MEDVAMC utilizes both Rauland Responder 5 and Jeron 790 nurse call/code blue systems. The new nurse call code blue system whether Jeron 790, or any other system must be compatible with Rauland Responder 5. Please see specification section 27 52 23 as reference. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Has a J&A been signed for the Rauland Borg Responder 5? It is not listed on sam.gov. |
| VA response: We are not specifying a system that would require a J&A. The system only needs to be compatible as outlined in specification section 27 52 23. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Will an Asbestos/ Hazardous material Survey be performed and provided? |
VA response: Modular building 121, was constructed in 2011. Asbestos materials are not present; therefore, no survey was conducted for the building.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Finish CWT-1 is called to be Louisville Tile Color by Number Gloss 9 Lives (WT09-4x8G). This product has been discontinued. Please advise. |
VA response: Replace with Daltile Aura 4x12 MY95
| 6/9/2025 |
| Specifications section 01 00 00 States for the general contractor to provide unarmed guards at the project site 7 days a week after hours. Can you confirm if this is required for this project? |
VA response: The requirement to include unarmed guards is an oversight, unarmed guards are not required for this project. However, construction zone areas must be heavily secured. During construction, we must keep unauthorized individuals (patients, employees, etc.) out of the construction zones during normal business and after hours. So, contractor shall ensure proper security measures are in place.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Does the VA have a preference on scheduling software as long as the software has cost loading capability? |
VA response: Yes, the VA prefers to utilize Procore.
| 6/9/2025 |
| The project specifications state that an SSHO must always be present, please confirm the superintendent cannot double as the SSHO. |
VA response: Superintendent cannot double as the SSHO. Ref. 01 35 26, 1.9: The Prime Contractor shall provide a Safety oversight team that includes a minimum of one (1) person at each project site, for each shift, to function as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO). The Prime Contractor shall provide a minimum of one “Full-Time” SSHO at each project site, for each shift (with no other duties) that holds as current, a professional safety certification with at least 3 years of dedicated construction safety related experience.
| 6/9/2025 |
| What is the acronym "SRE" used in the requirements for the CQC System Manager? |
| VA response: The acronym SRE stands for "Senior Resident Engineer." |
| 6/9/2025 |
| We use quick book payroll for our installers - is that considered certified payroll? Will we still need to submit the WH 347 weekly along with the Quick Book payroll reports? |
VA response: Follow the requirements in the solicitation. Reference 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records.
| 6/9/2025 |
| TZT-1 - Floorazzo - need clarity on the item number, color etc. I have reached out to the President of Floorazzo and he is not sure what is spec'd out. |
VA response. Replace with Daltile Aura 4x12 MY95
| 6/9/2025 |
| PWT-1 (Porcelain Wall Tile Large Format)- Lobby Wall Accent Marazzi Marazzi Materika, MT12 Off White Wave 16"x48" - Please contact a Marazzi contact if possible. I am having a hard time trying to get pricing from my rep. |
VA response. $12.33/sf material
| 6/9/2025 |
| Alternate 14 where it says "Provide shell spaces for 16 office and Break Room." Could you clarify what this means? |
VA response.
Please reference response to RFI #11
| 6/9/2025 |
| We do not see where the Access Control nor the Video Management software System is specified for this job. Since we will likely tie in to a preexisting master system for each, DIV 28 needs to know the manufacturer of each so we may acquire licensing and parts compatible. We note that FICAM compliance is a point of focus for all new VA projects as we have extensive experience in other parts of the state installing these solutions. Please provide input from owner regarding these new requirements. For camera devices, specific camera models on a schedule are common information, typically found on a camera security device schedule sheet. |
A full list of Access Control branded devices (including card readers and access control enclosures with support for door count) with part numbers are crucial here. A full access control device schedule is needed to ensure a functioning system.
VA response.
Please reference response to RFI #20
Please provide a hazardous materials survey for the existing B121.
VA response: Working on response
| 6/9/2025 |
| The State will require an Engineered letter that the structure is Unsound in order to demo as RACM (job site walk instructions were to remove as RACM). Will the VA provide the letter? |
VA response: RACM – Regulated Asbestos Containing Materials does not apply to scope. This building was constructed in 2011.
| 6/9/2025 |
| What is the proposed access for the 18 wheelers/machine to access the site for demolition? |
VA Response: Contractors will have to provide a means and methods to remove and bring materials on-site. Temporarily modifying the main fence line during construction is acceptable option.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please send a layout of the interior of the building (job-site walk said they would do this upon request). |
VA response: Floor plan of building 121 will be provided. Please see document: “Amendment 0004 – Att. 6 RFI #43 Bldg. 121 Floor Plan”
| 6/9/2025 |
| The period of performance is listed at 274 calendar days. This is not sufficient time to complete this project. Please provide a revised period of performance duration. |
VA response: Period of Performance shall be revised to 365 calendar days after notice to proceed.
| 6/9/2025 |
| The CLIN pricing sheet does not deduct days from the period of performance from any of the bid alternates. Please confirm if this is correct. |
VA Response: Correct.
| 6/9/2025 |
| The CLIN pricing sheet skips from alternate 11 to alternate 13. Please provide an updated CLIN sheet with the correct alternate numbering. |
VA Response: Please reference spec 01 00 00, section 1.3, alternate 12 is not used. CLIN sheet is up to date. Please fill out pricing schedule accordingly.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please confirm that any warranties beyond 1 year from project acceptance will be the responsibility of the manufacturers and not the contractor. |
VA Response: VA concurs with statement and confirms on contractor warranties.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a spec section for equipment R6100 freezer listed on sheet I-601. The description lists a freezer, but the model # provided (LRFS28XBS) is for a residential refrigerator. |
Va response: Please see document “Amendment 0004 - Att. 5 - RFI #48 11 41 00 Food Storage Equipment”
| 6/9/2025 |
| I’ve been informed by a plumber that there is no Plumbing Fixture Schedule. Please advise. |
VA response: See specification section 22 40 00 PLUMBING FIXTURES.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Where would the contractor be able to access water for dust control during DEMOLITION? |
VA response: VA shall accommodate.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Debris Removal: How should the removal of debris be facilitated? |
VA response: Contractors will have to provide a means and methods to remove and bring materials on-site. Temporarily modifying the main fence line during construction is acceptable option.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Accessibility: How will General deliveries and trucking be able to access site? Egress appears to be challenging due to over parking in areas such as FIRE LANES and curb parking which creates difficulties with any vehicle larger than a compact car. |
VA response: Contractors will have to provide a means and methods to remove and bring materials on-site. Temporarily modifying the main fence line during construction is acceptable option.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a construction boundary for job fencing. |
VA response: Please see attached construction fence sketch “Amendment 0004 - Att. 3 - RFI #53 Construction Fence Limit 121”: This fence line area is an approximate location. MEDVAMC is requesting to expand the fence line around the limits of construction (Drawing, CD-101). On the west side of bldg. 121, the fence can be extended to garner more surface area. MEDVAMC and awardee will work on an exact fence line location post award. Proposed fence line is contingent on Police/Parking committee approval.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Will there be an area allocated for job/construction trailer? |
VA response: Contractors can use lots adjacent to B121.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Where there be designated areas for construction parking? |
VA response: Please see site map for reference: “Amendment 0004 - Att. 3 - RFI #53 Construction Fence Limit 121”. No designated areas for contractor parking. Contractors can park in any non-gated area on campus outside of this valet area (Lot W, not allowed) - Lots I, J, N, R1, R2, and O, building 125, and including the parking garage are accessible to contractors.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Will there be an area provided for LAYDOWN and Construction Material deliveries? |
VA response: Laydown areas will reside within the limits of construction areas. Contractors will have to provide a means and methods to remove and bring materials onsite.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Sheet CT-101 shows a typical 6” concrete pavement section, however to reinforcement steel is shown. Please provide reinforcement details. |
VA response: Provide #3’s at 12” o.c. each way in 6” concrete in accordance with the geotech report.
| 6/9/2025 |
| It has come to our attention that no manufacturer or product information is provided for the plumbing fixtures. What is expected for pricing? |
Also as previous RFIs have not been addressed and we are less than a week from the due date, will the date be moved?
VA response: See specification section 22 40 00 plumbing fixtures. See item 49 above.
Any extensions of the deadline for receipt of proposals will be posted to SAM.gov
Can we please have clarification on how the highlighted Resin Panel is to be integrated to the Low Wall & Solid Surface. (See Below) Per Section 14/I-203 it appears Like 2-Resin Panels are to be sandwiched between 3- Panels of Solid Surface.
VA response: Working on response
With regards to the Builder’s Risk Policy, will flood and/or earthquake be required? If so, is full limits or sublimits required? Please advise.
VA response: Working on response
There are multiple discrepancies between the equipment connection schedule on Sheet E603, the panel schedules, and the equipment shown on Sheet EM-101. For example, ACCH-1 is noted as a 200A feed from Panel MCH-H, yet no corresponding breaker is provided, and the equipment does not appear on EM-101. Please clarify the intended configuration.
VA response: Working on response
| Please confirm if emergency power is required for the building. Is a generator specified or required? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| Does the EHRM duct bank require integral concrete dye in orange, or can standard concrete be used? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| If Deductive Alternate 14 is accepted, do the specified light fixtures remain in the scope of work? |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #11
| Are there any existing lighting control systems that need to be extended or integrated into this project? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| Do wood ceiling panels and acoustical ceiling tiles require seismic bracing in accordance with local code or VA standards? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please confirm whether the Access Control system must integrate with any existing system. If so, is there a vendor under a current service agreement we may contact for pricing? |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #20
| 6/9/2025 |
| Does the Video Surveillance system require integration with existing infrastructure? If yes, is there a current vendor under contract for pricing coordination? |
| VA response: Reference response to RFI #20 |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Will the Public Address and Mass Notification system integrate with an existing system? If so, please identify the vendor holding the service agreement. |
VA response: The public address and mass notification system must be compatible with existing system. We do not have a vendor specified for this.
| 6/9/2025 |
| Are the Nurse Call and Code Blue systems required to interface with existing systems? If so, is there a designated vendor maintaining the current system for pricing coordination? |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #19
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide the contact information for the Johnson Controls (JCI) Sales Engineer to support the HVAC controls bid process. |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #22
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a manufacturer for the access control. |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #20
| Is heat trace required anywhere in the project, particularly for roof drains or exposed piping? |
| VA response: Working on response |
Sheet CU-101 shows a new underground fiber optic line with three new handholes (Note 7 and 8), while T-601 only indicates one new handhole and an existing manhole. The Riser Diagram (Note 2) references the “nearest existing manhole.” Please confirm the required number of new handholes and the location of the existing manhole.
VA response: Working on response
Riser Diagram Note 5 shows intercepting an existing conduit and extending to a new handhole. Please confirm the exact location of this intercept and whether the existing conduit is concrete encased.
VA response: Working on response
| 6/9/2025 |
| Will the VA allow contractor access to the construction site via Cambridge Street? |
| VA response: Yes, VA will allow access via Cambridge Street. Contractor will be responsible for returning installation to original conditions. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Are any new site features such as exterior police call boxes, pedestrian warning lights, or site lighting required as part of this scope? |
| VA response: Follow solicitation requirements |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide approved manufactures and model numbers for plumbing fixtures. |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #49
Please reissue Sheet S100 – Foundation Plan, without showing the interior partitions, for clarity during layout and coordination.
VA response: Working on response
| Foundation Note 3 references “under-reamed drilled piers,” but no flared tips are shown in the sections. Are under-reamed auger cast piles required, or should pricing be based on straight-shaft auger cast piles? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide a copy of the geotechnical report referenced in the structural notes: Terracon Report No. 922225371, dated December 16, 2022. |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #23
What is the required allowable bearing capacity below the grade beams?
VA response: Working on response
| It appears the top bars of the grade beams are continuous with the slab. Is the intent to pour the slab and grade beams monolithically? |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Are there any known hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint, etc.) in the existing structure requiring abatement prior to demolition? |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #40
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please provide the foundation plan for the existing structure slated for demolition. |
| VA response: Unavailable |
| Are there any known underground storage tanks (fuel, oil, grease, etc.) within the construction limits? |
| VA response: Yes, there is an electrical manhole located on the west side of building within the limits of construction. |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Has the existing structure shown any movement or signs of instability since original construction? |
VA response: Not to the VA’s knowledge
| 6/9/2025 |
| Please confirm whether security guards are to be provided by the Prime Contractor as part of this project. |
VA response: Reference response to RFI #31
| Please confirm that the design complies with all applicable requirements of the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM). |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| The XFMR is indicated as Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed (OFCI). Has the VA ordered this transformer? What is the expected delivery date? This is a long-lead item critical to project completion. |
VA response: Please reference drawing E-601, Keynote #1: 1. “ALL EQUIPMENT SHOWN ON SINGLE LINE TO BE FURNISHED AND INSTALLED NEW BY CONTRACTOR”. This includes all electrical panels, devices, and new XFMR 750KVA (PT-120). EM101, Keynote #4, “TRANSFORMER TO BE PROVIDED BY VA…..” is incorrect, XFMR will be procured and installed by contractor.
| Please confirm that furniture is not included in this contract scope. |
| VA response: Working on response |
| 6/9/2025 |
| Is there a preferred or approved vendor for interior and exterior signage? |
| VA response: No. Please ensure you follow requirements listed in the solicitation documents. |
Per Drawing Number, I-431, Key Note 3 references CWT-1 Ceramic Wall Tile Accent Band – please confirm which color should be used
VA response: Working on response
Reference Drawing Number A-101 Floor Plan – please provide the demarcation and transition detail where the Terrazzo and LVT meet.
VA response: Working on response
Sheet CU-101 shows a new fiberoptic line with hand holds but doesn’t show where the line runs to. The drawing references Sheets T-101 and T-501, but I do not see any further information regarding this line. Please advise.
VA response: Working on response
| In Division 27 specs no part numbers are listed for any of the required solutions. This is not typical and I wanted to inquire if this was by design (open spec)? If not, can you please inform me on what they want manufacturer wise for the Cat 6A cable, outlets, metals, j-hooks, etc? |
| VA response: Working on response |
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