0001 - 36C77625R0023 Technical Questions - FINAL - Buffalo - 3-13-25 - UPDATED 5-1-26.pdf

36C77625R0023 Parking Ramp Expansion (Minor) Construction - Buffalo VAMC Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet Posted on 3-13-2025

These questions were answered on 3-13-2025 in response to RFP 36C776250023, which was the first solicitation for this Parking Ramp project. These questions and answers are being provided as they apply for this procurement. See the below bullets before reviewing the Q&A.

• No highlight = question and answer remain applicable as-is.

• Yellow highlight and strikethrough = no longer applicable.

• Blue highlight = response has been updated.

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 1- 22-25 2-11-25 Can the pre-bid meeting sign in sheet be posted? Both pre-bid site visit sign in sheets were posted via solicitation amendment on SAM.gov.

2. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Specification Section 01 91 00: Is the Commissioning Agent going to be appointed by the Contractor or by VA? The Specification Section of reference is somewhat confusing on this regards.

The Contractor shall engage the CxA under this construction contract.

3. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Refer to the Architectural Series drawings – Pages #42 and (47-54) of the PDF are blank. Is this intentional?

Two tests, concerning the download of the document in question, were performed through SAM.gov. Both tests confirmed that there are no blank pages contained in the drawings posted to the website.

4. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Refer to the Civil Series drawings – Pages #1 and (5-13) of the PDF are blank. Is this intentional?

Two tests, concerning the download of the document in question, were performed through SAM.gov. Both tests confirmed that there are no blank pages contained in the drawings posted to the website.

5. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Reference Specification: 01 00 00 – 1.3. C thru K (Deducts). Will all deducts be evaluated/accepted individually or will each deduct be compounded only after the previous deduct is selected?

Please reference the Price Schedule Notice contained on (PDF pg. 12) of the solicitation for guidance.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Can parking lot improvements be billed as mobilization to cover cost upfront?

No. The costs associated with procuring temporary parking spaces are not analogous with the costs for mobilization. All payments will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-5 Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts.

Further, contractors should reference Specification Section 01 32 16.15-4 which reads in pertinent part, “The Contractor shall cost load all work activities/events except procurement activities. The cumulative amount of all cost loaded work activities/events (including alternates) shall equal the total contract price.

Prorate overhead, profit and general conditions on all work activities/events for the entire project length.” So long as the procurement of temporary parking space is a work activity/event the contractor may bill for it once the activity/event is completed. Thus, if this activity is at the beginning of the critical path a contractor would be able to bill for it early on.

7. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Will the work on the off-site parking areas be subject to prevailing wage? Does prevailing wage need to be paid at the off-site parking locations for any construction repairs and for snow plowing and security guards?

Yes, construction wage rates are applicable to construction repairs at the off-site parking locations. Service wage rates are also applicable at the off-site parking locations. See attachment titled 0001 - 15A - SCA Wages - Erie County - 04-29-2026, which has been posted with this amendment and are now a part of the original solicitation and any subsequent award.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

8. 1-16-25 2-28-25 Are there any major demolition work elements required that are not listed/depicted in the demolition drawings that need to occur in order for new finishes to be installed. If so, will they be identified on the demolition drawings?

All required demolition is depicted in construction documents.

9. 1-22-25 2-28-25 Can the VA confirm that the duct bank from the hospital to the parking garage can be used for the solar electrical run?

See response to question #91.

10. 1-22-25 2-28-25 Can the VA provide a floor plan of the main electrical room in the hospital where the solar point of interconnection will be? The switchgears are shown on the line diagram that was provided in the electrical plans, but the distance needs to be confirmed from the main electrical room to the parking garage. Can the plans show the duct bank path?

Design to be delegated to solar subcontractor in coordination with the VA and Architect. System design to be submitted, reviewed and approved by VA and architect, after project is awarded.

11. 1-22-25 2-11-25 Can pictures of the electrical duct bank be shared? Pictures provided. See attachment titled - Electrical Redesign - Questions 11 and 70.

12. 1-23-25 2-28-25 The Room Finish Legend in drawing A601, says to use a Sherwin Williams sealer for CS-1 but no product or method for achieving traction is mentioned. Is there a specific product we should provide pricing for, or propose a recommended suitable product, with method of providing traction on the stairs?

Proposed a recommended suitable product, with method of providing traction on the stairs.

13. 1-23-25 2-28-25 Is there any work being done in the existing stairwells requiring floor treatment (CS-1) or floor repairs?

Required work in existing stairwells described in construction documents.

14. 1-23-25 2-28-25 In the new stairwells I only see joint filling where the precast stairs meet the landing pads, according to drawing SJ611 Detail 8 and SJ613 Detail 5. Are there any perimeter joints, control joints, or any other joints to be filled in the stairwells.

Provide joint filling at all horizontal joints. Detail 3/SJ302 shows additional sealant where landing meets precast wall.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

15. 1-23-25 2-28-25 Will the concrete in the rest of the parking ramp be receiving a sealer or treatment. Either topical or penetrating sealer/hardener.

Provide sealer/treatment as indicated in specifications 07 19 11 and 07 19 33

16. 1-24-25 2-11-25 Given that the work will be outside the occupied buildings of the Medical Center, are Badges going to be required, or regular forms of ID will suffice?

Badges will be required.

17. 1-24-25 2-11-25 For the same reason, is tuberculosis screening going to be enforced?

No tuberculosis screening will be required.

18. 1-24-25 2-11-25 Can VA provide information of the manufacturers of the products used for the construction of the existing parking ramp not indicated in the bid documents, such as aluminum curtain wall system, precast, and others that require matching?

Precast concrete by Sidley Precast.

Curtain wall system by South Buffalo Glazing.

Architectural screens by Community Steel Corporation.

19. 1-28-25 2-11-25 The first organization/business that we contacted in relation with the offsite parking spaces (Item # 0001AB), the U of B, replied to us indicating that they are already working on an agreement with VA and would not have more spaces available for renting to us. Please inform us of other places/organizations that VA might already be working with for the same objective (find additional offsite parking) so we don’t invest time and efforts in targets that are not available any longer.

Information that is available indicates the VA is not pursuing off-site parking outside of UB, specifically its south campus.

20. 1-28-25 2-11-25 How many parking spaces will be required at the North and South overflow areas?

At the site visit, it was stated that the garage would be utilized for some parking during ongoing construction activities.

A minimum of 200 spaces north; and 200 spaces south must be provided. Availability of parking within the existing ramp is dependent on the type and nature of work occurring in and around the ramp. It is expected that the ramp will be completely closed at some point during construction (no ramp parking available) to keep persons and property safe, and not inhibit construction operations.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

21. 1-29-25 2-28-25 The following questions pertain to the Photovoltaic Canopy (Solar Panels):

• Where is the solar interconnection projected to be?

(2000amp switch gear is in the parking ramp or the hospital?)

• Is there a desire for water management/snow retention for the Solar Canopies?

Design to be delegated to solar subcontractor in coordination with the VA and Architect. System design to be submitted, reviewed and approved by VA and architect after project award.

22. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Please confirm if the VA expects the Contractor to purchase the land for the two (2) temporary parking lots?

Negative. The contractor can enter into any legal agreement with landowners that will provide the required amount of parking for VA staff, patients, and visitors.

23. 1-29-25 2-11-25 If the VA requires the contractor to purchase the land for the new parking lots will these properties be turned over to the VA and will the contractor be compensated for the land purchase cost?

There is no requirement to purchase land. No land will be turned over to the VA.

24. 1-29-25 2-11-25 If the VA does not want the contractor to purchase the land for the temporary parking lots, will a lease of the land be acceptable?

A lease is acceptable, so long as the properties meet the parking requirements outlined in the RFP documents.

25. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Should the leasing cost be included or will the lease be picked-up by the VA?

The cost of off-site parking is the responsibility of the contractor and should be reflected in bids.

26. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Do the two parking lots need to be stand alone for the sole use by the VA?

If not stand alone, spaces reserved for VA use must be clearly delineated. I.E. fencing, signage and security / patrol.

27. 1-29-25 2-11-25 If the VA desires two standalone parking lots for the sole use of the VA please confirm if these parking lots need to be fenced in?

The VA may choose to waive the fencing requirement. This determination (if needed) will be made during the off-site parking submittal review process after project award. Bids shall assume no changes to requirements outlined in the

RFP.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

28. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Would the VA accept utilizing an existing parking lot with an area solely designated for VA Parking that meets the requirements of the RFP?

Yes, as long as the parking spaces for VA use are clearly delineated. I.E. fencing, signage, security / patrol.

29. 1-29-25 2-11-25 If the contractor can use an existing surface parking lot with the 200 spaces, please confirm if the VA will require us to fence off the area for the VA from the rest of a public parking.

See response to question #27.

30. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Please confirm if the contract is required to install covered bus/van stop in both lots. The price schedule outlines a designated parking space only.

There is no covered bus or van spot requirement.

However, there is a requirement to provide a shelter (like a bus stop shelter) to accommodate people that may need to wait for transportation to arrive. This requirement applies to both north and south off-site parking lots.

31. 1-29-25 2-11-25 If a covered bus/van stop is required, please confirm if one covered bus/van stop is acceptable per lot?

The basis of design for the shelter shall be 8’ x 15’. One shelter is required for each lot (one north and one south of the BVAMC).

32. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Please confirm who will be required to carry the insurance for these off-site parking lots.

Contractor is responsible for carrying insurance for off-site parking lots.

33. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Will weekend use of these lots be required? Weekend use of off-site parking is not anticipated.

34. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Will overnight parking be required at these two surface lots?

Overnight parking is not anticipated.

35. 1-29-25 2-11-25 Please confirm if these lots will be utilized by both patients and doctors?

Off-site lots may be used by all VA staff, patients, visitors, volunteers, or any other individuals traveling to the Buffalo VA Medical Campus.

36. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Who was the original pre-caster for the garage? Sidley Precast.

37. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Insurance requirements for the parking lots? It is solely the responsibility of the prime contractor to make this decision as the VA will not be liable for either the North or South lots.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

38. 2-6-25 2-11-25 What do you mean by management control for prime contractor of offsite parking?

The contractor must have the legal ability to manage the parking lots, including making revisions to lot striping and configuration of spaces, installing temporary fencing and shelters, ensuring ADA requirements are met, providing maintenance, be in control of snow removal, etc.

39. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Are all 400 spaces required for offsite parking during the first phase when the upper levels of the garage are accessible?

All required off-site parking must be established and open for VA use prior to reducing existing (pre-construction) parking available for the Buffalo VA Medical Campus.

40. 2-6-25 2-28-25 Will Revit files be provided for use in shop drawing development?

Construction documents were created in AutoCAD. Revit files are not available.

41. 2-6-25 2-28-25 Can the VA provide written verification that sufficient load carrying capacity is available in the existing structure to safely support new loads (including roof canopy) to be applied by the garage addition? Can original design calculations and precast drawings be provided for review by the new precast designer?

The structural engineer of record indicated the original drawings (by others) show the structure was designed for additional levels. This was verified this through a feasibility study that included numerical modeling. As such and upon completion of the structural repairs indicated in the Drawings, the structural engineer of record upholds that the design of the original structure is sufficient for the vertical expansion as indicated in the Drawings.

42. 2-6-25 2-28-25 CD’s contain references to both Government’s and Contractor’s Independent Testing Agencies. Please define which testing work (if any) the Government will provide.

All independent testing to be provided by contractor.

43. 2-6-25 2-28-25 Dwg SJ005 calls for all epoxy coated rebar. Spec Section 03 20 00, Concrete Reinforcing, is referred to, but not included in the Contract Documents.

All concrete reinforcing specifications have been incorporated into Section 03 30 00. Please verify version of SJ005 being referenced; we do not find a reference to Section 03 20 00 on the current version.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

44. 2-6-25 2-28-25 See SE corner of Enlarged Foundation Plan on Dwg SJ102. Section 5 does not match the plan at this location. Please clarify.

The structural engineer of record could not identify any discrepancy based on the question as posed.

45. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Will restoration quantities over those listed on the drawings be paid for on a unit cost basis as an addition to the lump sum bid?

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, Contractors should not bid assuming the Government will approve payment for additional materials and/or equipment procured by the Contractor. Payment of materials and/or equipment is at the Contracting Officer’s discretion and will be handled on a case-by-case basis during the contract and under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves.

46. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Would VA entertain a direct lease with a private developer for offsite parking areas?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to secure off-site parking. The VA is not interested in direct leasing.

47. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Please provide a less subjective lighting requirement for offsite parking areas (typically in foot-candles).

Target is an average of 1 footcandle.

48. 2-6-25 2-28-25 Please confirm no ICRA measures are required per Dwg.

GC307.

ICRA measures will be required for work performed inside building 1 (electrical work), and potentially within enclosed portions of the parking ramp if work will occur while the ramp is open, or partially open to patients, staff and visitors.

49. 2-6-25 2-11-25 Can Contractor use existing elevator during construction?

Yes, if the elevator is used properly / within rated weight limitations. Elevator must remain clean and open for staff and patient use in the event the ramp is open during construction activities.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

50. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Does the work to be performed outside of the medical center (proper) fall under ICRA regulations for additional protection protocols or is the garage considered an unoccupied space? (clarifying for considerations and requirements for overall jobsite safety and task specific operations)

See response to question #48.

51. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Who is responsible for protection on any/all in-take ventilation of the medical center adjacent to the garage work.

Contractor.

52. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Are there noise constraints during the project (i.e. – time of day, maximum noise levels, frequency of noisy operations)?

The Buffalo VA Medical Campus is located directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood.

Noise levels shall be kept to a minimum between 7:00pm and 7:00am. Furthermore, the campus treats patients with PTSD and other ailments where noise or vibrations may trigger a negative reaction. IF noise or vibrations are impacting the wellbeing of patients the VA maintains the right to require the contractor to cease operations and potentially develop mitigation plans.

53. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Will noise monitoring be required? Noise monitoring will not be required unless it is found to be necessary. See response to Question #52.

54. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Will vibration monitoring be required? Vibration monitoring will not be required unless it is found to be necessary. See response to Question #52.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

55. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Will the additional new levels and added stair/elevator shaft require a fire protection system to be installed?

Please review with local elevator codes as well.

The elevator specified for this project is a traction type elevator and does not have any combustible hydraulic fluids.

According to NFPA 13 - 8.15.5.3 - Automatic fire sprinklers shall not be required in elevator machine rooms, elevator machinery spaces, control spaces, or hoistways of traction elevators.

In addition, NFPA 13 - 8.15.5.3 - The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by

8.15.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, non-combustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

56. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Refer to SJ206 – “Design Criteria” for the PV Panels does not provide wind loads. A note refers to ‘S-002’;

‘S-002’ sheet is not contained in the bid documents.

Also, have the wind loads of the PV panels been incorporated in the “Design Criteria: 2.3 – Wind Loads” shown on SJ002 and “Wind Lateral Forces” shown on SJ004? Wind loads are needed for the PV panels to properly engineer/design the precast elements.

The reference to S-002 contained on SJ206 is an error. However, SJ002 shows minimum wind criteria per code. The designer of the PV structure must determine wind pressures on the proposed PV structure per applicable Code requirements.

SJ206 indicates basic design intent for the PV structure however the Design-Build Contractor must obtain a specific design for the PV structure to determine final proposed reactions (including lateral) on the precast concrete parking structure.

The PV design shall be submitted to the VA and Architect for review and approval after project award.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

57. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Reference Specification: 01 00 00 – 1.2.F

a. Can the ‘work hours’ be adjusted to start earlier (i.e. – 6:00am or 7:00am start)?

b. At what time can equipment be started up prior to the start of work (needed for equipment in cooler temperatures)?

Work hours may be adjusted only as approved by the VA on an operation-to-operation basis.

Equipment start times coincide with allowable work hours. The VA may approve adjustments to these hours if requests and noise levels are reasonable.

58. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Reference Specification: 01 00 00 – 1.11.C. Please provide soils/boring report.

Soil boring reports have been provided. See attachments titled - 1947 Soil Borings - Question 58 and Subsurface Exploration Report - Question 58.

59. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Reference Specification: 01 35 26 – 1.20.B.10. Please confirm crane operations for precast installation is acceptable during ‘normal’ work hours in lieu of weekends only.

The VA will work with the contractor to develop an acceptable crane operation schedule. The VA would like to reduce as many potential schedule delays as possible, while keeping patients, staff and visitors on campus safe, and minimize impacts to the main (E-Wing) patient entrance.

Bidders shall assume portions of crane operations will occur on weekends or otherwise outside of normal operating hours.

60. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Please reference specification: 07 19 11 – 1.1.B.1 & specification 07 19 33 – 1.1.B.1. Is the intent of the concrete sealer with corrosion inhibitor (Section 07 19

033) only to be used on the concrete repair areas of the existing garage and all other new construction concrete is to use the clear penetrating concrete sealer (Section 07 19 11)?

Confirmed provide sealers and corrosion inhibitors as indicated in specifications.

61. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Does the VA Medical Center have a preferred contractor for the security/video surveillance?

Fire Alam system is Simplex / Johnson Controls.

No specific contractor for video or other security systems.

62. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Does the VA Medical Center have a preferred contractor for the low volt/communications systems?

No.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

63. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Please reference specification: 14 21 00 – 2.1.A.1.

KONE elevator is used as the basis of design for the new traction elevators. KONE Elevator has stated they do not perform installations in the Buffalo area due to union presence of other elevator companies. Please provide an alternate basis of design for an even bidding solicitation.

KONE is the basis of design. Contractor to select equivalent for bidding purposes based on specifications. Elevator Manufacturers with offices in or near Buffalo, NY that provide machine room less traction elevators include, OTIS, Schindler, and Thyssenkrupp.

64. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Please reference A-601 (finish schedule) and AW drawing sheet notes. Will a complete finish schedule/plan be provided that incorporates all finishes from A-601 and the AW drawing series of drawings?

All required finishes described on A601 in conjunction with notes on the AW drawing series.

Notes indicate where finishes are to be applied.

65. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Will the off-site parking be used on the weekends? See response to question #33.

66. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Can we add a 2nd precast past performance project in

Volume 1 factor 2 or will that give us a negative score?

Factor 2 calls for “at least one (1) construction projects that are at least 10M in value…” Showcasing two or more past performance projects is perfectly acceptable and will not generate a negative score.

Factor 1, Project experience now states to submit “no more than three projects”. If more than three projects are submitted, only the first three will be considered for the evaluation.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

67. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Please reference E001 – Electrical General Notes; Note #11. Please confirm that painting of the newly installed exposed piping is required, and all existing piping is to remain as currently installed.

a. If painting is required, please confirm if newly installed exposed piping for any/all technology (telecom, security, phone, etc.), fire alarm, and/or mechanical conduit for those systems should be painted as well.

b. If painting is required, please provide an ALLOWANCE value as the total LF of all piping/conduit is subject to final design and field conditions.

Only Fire Alarm boxes and Components need to be red. Fire Alarm conduit does not need to be colored.

Exposed conduit / piping located in areas to be painted shall be painted to blend with surrounding areas. Otherwise, conduit / piping is not required to be painted.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

68. 2-7-25 2-28-25 Please reference to specification section 09-91-00:

Painting, Including Traffic Markings.

a Section 1.1 A6. Are their drawings that reference which block walls are considered “in view”?

A8. Will drawings be provided to explain which pipes, pipe coverings, conduit, ducts, insulation, hangers, supports and other mechanical and electrical items are considered “in view”?

b Section 3.8 C1. Concrete masonry units to be painted “where specified”. Specified areas are not called out in the drawings and this statement seems contradictory to section 1.1, A6.

c Section 3.10 Clean, patch and repair existing surfaces. Can a quantity be provided of existing surfaces that need repaired and painted?

d Section 3.13 Field painting of mechanical and electrical consists of cleaning, touching-up abraded shop prime coats, and applying primer, body and finish coats to materials and equipment if not factory finished in the space scheduled to be finished. Can a list and quantity of materials and equipment that will not be factory finished be provided?

e Section 3.15 A6. Schedule of piping and required colors given. Can a quantity of each pipe be given?

If quantities are unable to be provided, will the Owner provide an ALLOWANCE amount to be carried so that all bids are equal for this scope of work?

a. Paint block walls as indicated on AW series drawings. In addition to any ancillary areas that would reasonably be considered “in view”. “In view” would be considered anywhere accessible to general public.

b. Several CMU areas are referenced to be paint in AW series drawings.

c. Areas of patch and repair noted on AW series drawings.

d. Items to receive factory finishes are described in corresponding specification sections.

e. Required piping shown in construction documents as diagrammatic in nature.

Final layout of piping to be determined at time of installation based on site conditions. Therefore, specific quantity cannot be given.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

69. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Please reference the attachments concerning the metal and glass railing system (either the round or the flat top rail versions) requesting it to be reviewed and considered for an approved equal.

The VA would consider all approved equal products so long as the products are equal in quality, durability, appearance, strength, design, performance, physical dimensions and arrangement to equipment or materials specified, and will function adequately in accordance with the general design. Detailed review of proposed approved equals will be performed during the project submittal review process, which will occur after the project has been awarded.

70. 2-7-25 2-11-25 Note #6 on E-601 calls for a new electrical trench, conduit wire, etc between building #1 and the parking ramp. Is there any potential to use an existing conduit between the parking ramp and building #1 in leu of installing new conduit and trench?

The VA has investigated existing conduit between BLDG #1 and the parking ramp and found that it is possible and preferrable to utilize an existing 4” conduit. Utilizing existing conduit requires some re-routing of existing cabling, and installation of a divider within an existing junction box. Pictures, sketches and additional notes and details have been provided for reference. See attachment titled

- Electrical Redesign - Questions 11 and 70. Note that the VA is requesting the wire connection method outlined in this response be used over what is proposed in the project electrical drawings. Use information in this response to generate bids for that portion of work. * Please also refer to Question # 91 response.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

71. 2-12-25 2-11-25 Are you able to advise whether a Contractor Teaming Arrangement as defined in Subpart 9.6 could be utilized to meet Project Experience requirements on an SDVOSB set-aside? This team would consist of an SDVOSB and an SDVOB firm.

The SDVOSB must have served as a prime contractor on a construction project with pre-cast concrete structures. Your teaming agreement submission would not be deemed acceptable.

An SDVOSB, VOSB, or small business offeror submitting under an SBA-approved joint venture or mentor-protégé agreement can use the experience of the individual partners to meet the requirements. The experience of any other teaming arrangement partners will not be considered during the evaluation.

72. 2-13-25 2-11-25 We wanted to know the amount of foot candles required for the parking lot. I read in the solicitation offer that the "the lighting level that persons entering, leaving or passing through the parking lots may easily see into purses, read papers, and easily see any other person or persons walking through the space" could you elaborate on that?

See response to question #47.

73. 2-13-25 2-11-25 Do you have a fencing plan with specs (looking for material that is required etc.)?

The VA will review and approve contractor proposed fencing for use as part of the required parking lot submittal, which will occur after project award. Fencing plan will depend on the proposed parking lot configuration. Fencing type

– 6’ high temporary construction type fencing may be acceptable as long as it is installed in a manner that prevents strong winds from tipping it over, or vandals from moving it. Fencing should also be able to allow snow removal / plowing activities without the concern of the fence being moved or tipped over.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

74. 2-13-25 2-28-25 We are looking at the restoration work and traffic coating on this project. On the existing 3 lower levels the plans call for recoating of the existing traffic coating. Detail 10/SJ312 details a traffic coating system at the new precast levels; however, nowhere on the plans does it indicate there to be any traffic coating on the 2 addition levels. RFI… is there to be any traffic coating at the new levels?

The traffic coating should be applied only to areas of cast-in-place concrete toppings (similar to the existing levels) and over any occupied areas where the parking deck serves as the roof of the occupied space (includes 3ft beyond limits of space below)

75. 2-14-25 2-28-25 Will the precast installer be installing joint sealant at the precast joints or is that something you would need as well?

The sealant systems are installed by a Div 7 installer which may or may not be a subcontractor to the precast installer.

76. 2-14-25 2-28-25 The recommended structural repairs call for “install waterproof membrane strips at tee joints”, this is not a recommended system by any traffic coating manufacturer and the manufacturer will not warrant the system at those locations. Just something the architect/engineer should be made aware of.

The option to provide traffic coating over the tee joints is primarily intended to protect the concrete/rebar on either side of the joint;

providing system flashing over the joint itself makes the system neat in appearance and provides a modicum of protection for the sealant. It would not be surprising if the portion of the system over the sealant is excluded from system warranty however we would expect the concrete areas on either side to be included in the system warranty.

77. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Cross Section 5/SJ102 Near column line C.1/12 scales 7’-0” Wide Footer; however, detail calls out 10’-6” Wide.

Do not scale the drawings. Always use dimensions as shown on plans and details.

78. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Cross Section 5/SJ102 Near column line B.6/12 scales 4’-0” Wide Footer; however, detail calls out 10’-6” Wide.

Do not scale the drawings. Always use dimensions as shown on plans and details.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

79. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Cross Section 3/SJ102 Near column line C/11 scales 9’- 0” Wide Footer; however, detail calls out 10’-6” Wide.

Do not scale the drawings. Always use dimensions as shown on plans and details.

80. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ102 calls out the top of elevator footing at 674’-3”; however, Architectural Drawing A311 calls out top of footing at 674’-6”.

Follow ARCH. drawings.

81. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ603 calls out the top of lower slab at 680’-3”; however, Architectural Drawing A311 calls out top of lower slab at 680’-0”.

Follow ARCH. drawings.

82. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ603 calls out the top of upper slab at 686’-3”; however, Architectural Drawing A311 calls out top of lower slab at 686’-0”.

Follow ARCH. drawings.

83. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Neither Structural Drawing SJ102 & SJ603 calls out the top C.I.P. Concrete Walls Elevations. Please advise.

Refer to drawings SJ606, SJ607, SJ608, SJ609, SJ610 and coordinate with the architect.

84. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural & Architectural Drawings appear to call out C.I.P. Concrete top of walls to be 695’-4”. Please Confirm.

Confirmed.

85. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural & Architectural Drawings appear to call out C.I.P. Concrete top of walls to be 695’-4”. Please Confirm.

Confirmed.

86. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Detail 7/S111, What is the Top of Wall Elevation? 686’-3”, see Det. 1/SJ603

87. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ611, Detail 8, what are the dimensions of the ledge?

6-inches.

88. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ603, Detail 1, what is the top of Wall Elevation for the Elevator Shaft C.I.P. Walls?

Elevations vary depending on the wall location.

The contractor to coordinate with architectural drawings.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

89. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing Detail 9/SJ102 has a note to refer to architectural drawings for waterproofing. Cannot located any words related to waterproofing on architectural drawings. What is to be installed?

Provide bituminous damp proofing per specifications section 07 11 13.

90. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Structural Drawing SJ102 calls out a note Northwest of the Elevator Tower to “ Coordinate with pre-caster for exact location of stair flight”, what elevation is that wall to terminate?

Contractor to coordinate with ARCH. and pre-caster.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

91. 2-24-25 2-28-25 The electrical drawings provide little to no supporting information for the proposed solar canopy. Please clarify expectations for bidding.

The goal of the solar system is to back up the entire parking ramp with remaining power transferred to building #1. This requires a new electrical trench and a minimum of three 4-inch conduits between the parking ramp and building #1. All required electrical elements must be designed as part of the overall solar canopy design. Additional electrical equipment will be required to support the solar canopy. Equipment required includes, but is not limited to automatic transfer switches, disconnect switches, electrical panels, etc. Bidders shall consider all of these elements in proposed project pricing. Also note that the solar and corresponding electrical design is the responsibility of the contractor, in coordination with the VA and Architect. The contractors solar and electrical system design to be submitted, reviewed, and approved by VA and architect after project award and prior to construction. Please refer to attached basis of design for the solar canopy titled - SOLAR CANOPY Basis of Design - Questions 91 and 92 for additional information. *Note that the new electrical trench between the existing parking ramp and building #1, associated with the solar canopy may be used to accommodate new electrical connection between the parking ramp and building 1, in place of work described in the Question #70 response.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

92. 2-24-25 2-28-25 Who is responsible for designing the solar canopy system?

The contractor is ultimately responsible for the final design of the solar canopy. The contractor may subcontract this work out to design professionals / solar panel system companies for completion. The design shall be coordinated with the VA and the project Architect. The design shall be stamped by a professional engineer and submitted to the VA for review and approval prior to incorporating into the project design; after project award.