0005 - Responses to Tech Questions - 6-5-26.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77626R0061

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: Garland Replace Elevators Construction Project

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please change the contract type to a fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment pursuant to FAR 16.203.

This requirement will remain a firm-fixed-price contract, and all escalation should be factored in your pricing. Additionally, FAR 52.216-4, Economic Price Adjustment – Labor and Material, is not included in the solicitation and will not be added.

2 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please reduce the price-hold period to 30 days.

The Government standard concerning price-hold period is 90 calendar days and will not be altered.

3 We respectfully request clarification regarding the applicability of FAR 52.229-3 – Federal, State, and Local Taxes in the context of potential material price escalations arising from pending tariffs. Specifically, we are seeking to understand whether this clause would afford any contractual relief or price adjustment mechanisms in the event that new or increased tariffs are imposed on imported materials after contract award, thereby affecting the cost basis for materials included in our pricing proposal. Our intent is to ensure that any potential risk from such government-imposed cost changes is addressed appropriately under the contract terms, or whether alternative provisions (e.g., economic price adjustment clauses or contract modifications) may be more applicable for consideration. Please confirm if FAR 52.229-3 is intended to apply to increases in material costs due to tariff changes?

If after the contract is awarded, the contractor becomes liable for an increase (or receives a reduction) in a federal excise tax or duty “which was not otherwise anticipated,” the contract price may be adjusted accordingly.

To recover under FAR 52.229-3, the contractor generally must show:

The tariff was not in effect or anticipated at the time of award;

The tariff is a federal duty or tax covered by the clause;

The tariff directly increased the contractor’s cost of performance;

The contractor timely notifies the contracting officer of the change; and The contractor can substantiate the increased costs attributable to the tariff.

4 Is this project tax exempt? If so, will VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award?

See Special Note regarding FAR 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes in the solicitation.

5 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. The requirements in FAR 52.225-11 and FAR 52.225-12 must be met for this project.

6 Will the VA allow deviations to Buy American Act if the noted products are not available?

The process of requesting exceptions to the Buy American Act is detailed in the provision at FAR 52.225-12, Notice of Buy American Requirement—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements, and the clause at FAR 52.225-11, Buy American—Construction Materials under Trade Agreements, in the solicitation. Any items not compliant must be specifically listed in the offer.

7 Will the government pay for materials stored per VAAR 852.232-70 and FAR 52.232-5? We have experienced PCAC Contracting Officers refusal to pay for materials stored on site during these periods of material shortages and the need to expedite procurement of materials when available to meet schedule obligations and prevent project delays. This is an important factor in preparing Price proposals.

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, contractors should not submit an offer assuming the Government will approve monthly progress payments for material and/or equipment procured by the contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site. Payment of stored 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.

8 Please confirm that any designers or consultants who provided professional services for the construction documents, including reports, are precluded from pursuing this project as a Prime contractor, Mentor- Protégé partner, or subcontractor.

No member of the design team of this project is permitted to be part of the construction team.

9 I was reaching out regarding the classification of this project. Can you tell me if this project is only open to SDVOSB contractors or if contractors without that classification will be allowed to submit a bid for this project?

This project is a 100% set-aside for SDVOSBs. The prime contractor submitting the offer must be certified as such in the SBA certification database or comply with the joint venture certification requirements in

13 CFR 128.402.

10 Please clarify that a joint venture offeror is not required to be listed as “certified” in the SBA’s certification database since the SBA no longer certifies SDVOSB joint ventures. Only the SDVOSB managing member of the JV offeror is required to be listed as “certified” in the database.

Correct. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture complies with the requirements in 13 CFR 128.402.

11 Please confirm that this project is a competitive SDVOSB set-aside and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through an SDVOSB or SBA/VA approved Mentor-Protégé partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor-Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the due date.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

12 Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA approved Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee or a payment & performance bond for an

SDVOSB.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

13 Are you able to advise whether a Contractor Teaming Arrangement could be utilized to meet past performance requirements on an SDVOSB set-aside?

An offeror submitting under an SBA-approved mentor-protégé or joint venture agreement in accordance with 13 CFR 128.402 can use the past performance of the individual partners to meet the requirements.

The past performance of any other teaming arrangement partners will not be considered during the evaluation.

14 Is this RFP specifically for elevator modernizations, or is it for a full facility rehabilitation with a general contractor who would then subcontract the elevator portion? The specifications include a wide range of building components, trades, and scopes that don’t appear to be directly related to our industry.

We would greatly appreciate any clarification you can provide. If this RFP is specifically for the elevator scope, we would welcome the opportunity to bid the project and would be interested in scheduling a site visit, if possible.

The RFP is for construction, which does include elevator modernization, but also includes elevator replacement, removal of decommissioned elevator equipment, HVAC unit replacement, alteration of air distribution system, modification of building management system, installation of new electrical equipment and conduit, utility modification if existing piping/ductwork/conduit interferes with new elevator equipment locations, and fire suppression system installation. Offerors should be prepared to provide all required disciplines (architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.) as identified in the project IFC documents, whether through the prime firm or through subcontractors.

As this project is set aside for SDVOSBs, there is no minimum percentage of work that must be self-performed, but the prime contractor will be required to comply with the limitations on subcontracting for general construction detailed in VAAR 852.219-75.

Site visits were conducted on 4/23/26 and 5/15/26.

15 We are interested in bidding the Elevator Work for the Garland VA Elevator MOD Project. Can you send us the Bid Doc instructions as well as the Specification or Scope of Work your looking to have bids for.

Additionally will there be an opportunity to come survey the elevators at some point.

The solicitation with all specifications, drawings, and other supporting attachments for this project can be found at SAM.gov under notice ID 36C77626R0061. Site visits were conducted on 4/23/26 and 5/15/26.

Please be aware, this construction contract will be awarded in whole to a prime contractor who will be responsible for all construction work detailed in the solicitation documents. We will not accept offers for separate portions of the work.

16 Once a GC is selected, we would appreciate the opportunity to submit a bid for the elevator portion.

The GC’s information will be provided in a notice posted on SAM.gov after award. You can get contact information for potential offerors by joining the interested vendors list on SAM.gov or by viewing the site visit sign-in sheets, which were provided in amendments 0001 and 0003.

17 Will the Government provide detailed written requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the process for obtaining PIV badges, including required documentation, background checks, and estimated processing timeframes.

Regardless of affiliation, everyone working within VA facilities or requiring access to VA information systems requires a VA PIV card.

PIV badging requirements can be found at https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp Immediately after the performance and payment bonds are provided to the Government, the contractor must start working with the identified COR at the site to commence the VA PIV process for all known contractor personnel that will be working the project. All contractors must have a PIV card in order to work on site.

18 What is the policy if conditions not clearly identified within the contract documents are encountered during construction? Will the VA consider this a differing site condition and issue a contract modification for the additional work required?

The contractor must exercise due diligence in the preparation of their offer to reasonably account for all work the contract identifies or establishes. Any discrepancies with existing conditions must be brought to the attention of the COR and CO. If the Government determines any work necessary to be performed is not already a requirement of the contract, an appropriate modification will be issued IAW FAR 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and FAR 52.243-4, Changes. No modification will be issued for work determined to be within the contract requirements.

19 Are guarantee period services included in this project? Yes. See solicitation attachment 07 - Special Notice - Guarantee Period Services for more information.

https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp

20 We would like to request clarification regarding Elevator #1 (Decal:

0372707). Based on our site visit, this elevator appears to have been recently modernized in 2024 and already has new equipment. Could you please confirm whether Elevator #1 is intended to remain within the current scope of work, or if it will be removed?

Replaced power unit with new submersible unit.

Replaced car door operator with new GAL closed loop door operator.

Replaced car operating panel and hall fixtures with LED illuminated buttons.

Furnished and installed new car guides or inserts, new car door, code compliant car top exit switch, car top inspection station, car top handrail on all openings 12’ or greater, and all other ADA items.

Replaced existing hoistway door equipment as necessary.

These items should be removed from the construction scope, unless they directly affect another repair. (i.e. do not re-replace any items, but be prepared to protect in place or remove and reinstall if required to repair other items still within scope.)

21 Could you please provide the most recent inspection reports for all elevators included in the modernization scope?

See attached 0005 - VA Garland 2026 Elevator Inspection Reports.

22 Is 3rd Party Equipment required or can we base bid TK Elevator Equipment? Base bid is currently MCE.

a. If 3rd Party requires MCE Controls which vendors are approved for the remaining items?

i. Door Equipment

ii. Fixtures

iii. Power Unit

These are the typical non-OEM standards for each category Door equipment: GAL, ECI Fixtures - G.A.L., Adams, EPCO, Monitor, E-Motive USA, C.E.

Electronics, Innovation, PTL, MAD Power Unit: Minnesota, Unitec, SEES

23 Project requests a Phased Modernization – Requesting phase allocation and expected months/years for each elevator.

a. Which Elevators Per Phase and Time allotted per Bank?

The Contractor is required to submit, prior to starting work, a detailed schedule that depicts estimated duration of project activities. Please see drawing sheet A-100 for the draft phasing provided by the AE.

24 Which elevators will need to be expedited for modernization (trauma/surgery etc.) that will require regular and overtime work?

Elevators that provide patient transportation to activated spaces are the first priority.

All work must be completed during regular business hours, M – F, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, unless otherwise approved in advance by the

COR.

25 Specification requests Machine Room & Hoistway Drawings – with the project not requiring a raise up or alterations to the existing machine room or elevators shafts.

a. Will new drawings be required?

b. Will Cutsheets of TK Elevators Pre Engineered Package be accepted or will submittal drawings for fixtures and equipment be required?

The Contractor must provide shop drawings for all fabricated, assembled, or installed components. New/updated drawings will only be required if there are necessary deviations from the existing drawings/specs, but these drawings would be provided by the AE.

26 What is the Payment structure and SOV’s for each phase or will the project be awarded as one?

Payments shall be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-5 referenced in the solicitation. A.3 Price Schedule of the solicitation contains the intended CLIN structure for pricing, award, and payments.

27 We will be required to crane from two sides of the hospital. Are there specific permit requirements for the hospital that we will need to be aware of?

In addition to any state/local requirements, the Contractor will be required to submit a crane plan to the COR, that must be approved by VA Construction Safety prior to use.

28 Is onsite storage an option or will we be required to have storage pods rented and located in the parking lot for the duration of the project?

The Contractor is responsible for procuring all necessary storage pods. An on-site laydown area dedicated to this construction project has been identified by VA Facility Planning. Exact location will be provided to the Contractor upon award, and we will ensure it meets space needs of the project. This area can be used for dumpsters, staging, materials, etc.

29 Will ICRA barricades be required or will standard barricades work for this modernization?

a. If required, which specific elevator banks will require ICRA and which will be standard (non clean areas).

Depends on the level. Dust should not migrate to non-construction areas (i.e. do they share penetrations or ventilation/air flow? Which elevators will be used for construction crews or be used to haul debris?) Debris trolleys should be covered. Construction elevators cannot be shared with patients. (Please designate or create a plan to minimize risk.) Level II requires doors to be sealed to prevent migration of dust. See below guidance.

PICRA: All levels at and below the designation must follow level 1-level X recommendations found both the P/ICRA. Patients and employees are not to be in the area until activity is completed. The installation building components such as new walls, ceilings and doors including framing, drywall and associated plaster work that requires transport of significant materials through building and up elevators i.e., weight limits of floors and elevators.

30 Asbestos concern, has it been determined that the existing elevator hoistway and car doors do or do not have asbestos within them? No clear reading from the asbestos reports noted.

This has not been determined. We can utilize the VA’s 3rd party industrial hygiene consultant to perform ACM testing. If ACM is found, the 3rd party consultant will work with the Contractor provide air monitoring for Contractor’s abatement.

31 Will there be rollable access from the existing shaft areas that cannot be utilized for moving material to the machine room? This is primarily for items we will not be craning to the rooftops.

a. Certain floors we cannot move material on?

b. Certain areas of specific floors we cannot navigate through?

(Clean Rooms/Dirty Rooms?)

The Contractor will be provided with the locations of occupied areas.

Given the amount of empty space in the hospital, there should be little to no disruption of existing areas while moving materials. We will work together upon award to nail down a phasing plan that includes pathways for the Contractor to bring in materials and equipment.

32 Specification mentions material and equipment removal on a daily basis.

a. Will there be a dumpster onsite dedicated to the elevator contract?

b. If not, will there be a location in the parking lots where we can place a rented dumpster for material removal offsite?

The Contractor is responsible for providing their own dumpster, whether owned or rented. The dumpster can be placed in the identified laydown area.

33 Specification requests all existing conduit and raceways to be replaced.

a. Can we provide a voluntary deduct to retain the raceways we deem operationally intact for new wiring?

If raceways are compliant with applicable codes, are in good condition, and their properties do not conflict with properties outlined by drawings and specs, they can be reused. Contractor should provide their definition of “operationally intact” so VA can concur/reject.

34 The drawings include sheets for MEPS, Fire Alarm, Fire Prevention, and Technology but no General construction other than the removal and replacement of the ceilings in lobbies and new walls and ceiling for the machine room for elevator 2. Should we assume the scope for all elevator related spaces with non compliant doors/frames, walls, ceilings, unrelated items passing through, etc to be the responsibility of the VA or will those items be included as add alternates for the "work by others" scope?

Anything not specified in the drawings and specifications would be the responsibility of the VA.

35 Will the VA allow advanced payments (down payments) for any materials or equipment to be procured under this project, or will invoicing be restricted to when the physical materials and/or equipment have been delivered to the project site?

Stored material payment requests are typically not approved; material should only be billed after installation. But the Government retains the right to evaluate each request for payments of stored material on a case-by-case basis. Advanced payments and down payments are NOT authorized.

36 Field Staff clarifications:

a. Please confirm the VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full time Superintendent for the entirety of the project?

b. Please confirm VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full-time SSHO on site for the entirety of the project.

c. Please confirm VA’s intent for the Prime Contractor to have a full-time QCM on site for the entirety of the project.

d. Can any of the above individuals Double or Triple hat?

e. Can any of the above individuals be an employee of a subcontractor, or will the VA require the above individuals to be a Full-time employee of the Prime Contractor?

a. Yes, there must be a Superintendent on site during all construction activities.

b. Yes, there must be a SSHO on site (different individual than the Superintendent) during all construction activities.

c. QCM is preferred to be on site, but can be hybrid (on and off site), as long as the Contractor maintains QC, and the QCM is reachable by the COR, when the QCM is not on site.

d. SSHO cannot have any other duty. Superintendent can be the QCM but it is not preferred.

e. Superintendent, SSHO, and QCM should be full time employees of the Prime.

37 01 35 26-13.1 7C – The specs read that the Prime 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. Can the VA clarify if multiple SSHO’s will be required on site if the Prime contractor intends to run multiple crews?

Only one designated SSHO is required.

38 Can the VA confirm/clarify when interim maintenance will start?

a. For nearly all modernizations, interim maintenance typically starts for the entirety of a bank of elevators once the first elevator is taken out for modernization – can the VA confirm this is the case with this procurement?

i. This is to avoid having two separate elevator companies maintain equipment within a shared hoistway or shared bank of elevators – this can be a significant safety concern

The VA COR will work with VA M&O staff who oversees the existing elevator PM service contract. As elevators are taken over by the GC for modernization or replacement, those elevators will be taken off the PM list. Any interim issue that arises after the elevators are turned back over to VA will be deferred to the GC maintenance/warranty contractor. Meaning, our existing service contractor will perform maintenance on each elevator until they are phased into modernization/replacement, then it will be GC’s responsibility.

39 Can the VA confirm/clarify that warranty maintenance will not start until the last car is delivered?

Warranty begins on an elevator-by-elevator basis. When an elevator is complete and accepted by the VA, it will begin its warranty phase.

40 Will the VA be providing and distributing the submittal register for the project?

Yes, upon award, the VA will provide a list of required submittals. The Contractor should review the list and recommend any additional items if necessary/beneficial.

41 Per 01 91 00 – Spec is calling for contractors to conduct and produce video recorded trainings, can the VA please confirm Contractor’s are going to be held to having to meet this requirement?

a. We have had problems with this on other projects; Local Unions have taken issue with placing individuals on video.

No, the video format will not be required. In lieu of this, please ensure that Contractor provides all other documentation requirements for proof of training/qualification.

42 Will Microsoft Project be an acceptable scheduling tool for the project? Yes.

43 What software will be utilized on the project for submittal transfers? Will the Prime contractor be responsible for purchasing and maintaining?

Prime Contractor is responsible for the setup and maintenance of the document-sharing software.

44 Will the client require any construction management software to be utilized on the project? Will the Prime contractor be responsible for purchasing and maintaining?

See RFI 43.

45 Will the VA allow the contractor to use on-site facilities, or should the contractor assume to provide temporary toilets?

The Contractor should have temporary toilets, but they can use on-site facilities as well, given that the cleanliness of the public areas is upkept.

46 01 35 26-18 1.12 – Infection Control: the bottom of paragraph B reads that “the primary project scope area for this project is: Class I, however, work outside the primary project scope area may vary.” There are no details showing typical Temporary wall types or ICRA layouts, Can the VA please clarify ICRA class for the project?

The ICRA classification will change by phase. Some elevators are patient care elevators and are adjacent to patient care areas, meaning a higher risk factor. Some elevators are in unoccupied areas with a lower risk factor. The project will take longer than 6 months duration, which, according to the Safety Pin, makes the project a category D. To properly assign ICRA levels to each phase, we would first need a phasing plan. It is possible that ICRA level could be as low as II depending on what is included within a phase. Based on the Safety Pin, no level I areas are anticipated – only II or higher.

47 Is the VA distributing ICRA drawings/Layouts or is it the responsibility of the Prime contractor to determine where ICRA systems are needed based on the 06 – Safety PIN PCRA-ICRA Document.

The VA will distribute the ICRA drawings/layouts. It will be the Contractor’s responsibility to provide all required systems based on the Safety PIN.

48 Is the VA open to utilizing Temporary and modular infection control walls (Starc or Edgeguard)?

a. Will the VA require all Infection control walls from finish floor to deck?

b. Will the VA be open to utilizing hard walled infection control wall panels on the bottom and top floors only, and utilize plastic infection control barrier (zip wall) on all middle floors? The duration of work on middle floors is minimal and produces minimal dust and noise.

This is acceptable if NFPA 241 is met.

a. This depends on PCRA/ICRA level, however, yes, please refer to PCRA/ICRA for verbatim barriers. Penetrations allow migrations of dust and pathogens. Even level 1 requires immediate replacement of ceiling tiles (tiles act as a barrier in this case).

b. See below ICRA guidance.

Level I: Perform work activity in a manner that does not create dust.

2. Immediately replace any ceiling tile, close access panels, etc., upon completion of work.

Level II: All control measures in Level I and the following:

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). Level III: Construct and complete critical barriers meeting NFPA 241 requirements.

Barriers must extend to the ceiling or if ceiling tile is removed, to the deck above.

3. All (plastic or hard) barrier construction activities must be completed in a manner that prevents dust release. Plastic barriers must be effectively affixed to floor and ceiling (or floor/roof deck above) and secure from movement or damage.

Level III: All control measures in Level I and the following:

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). 5. Seal doors to prevent dust migration.

Level IV: All control measures in Levels I, II and III and the following:

1. Barriers must be hard barriers unless temporary to install final barrier.

2. Containment must include an anteroom to ensure pressure control, Anteroom must be large enough for equipment staging, cart cleaning, workers’ PPE and cleaning.

49 If the air is HEPA filtered, can we exhaust into hallways or common areas, or does it need to be exhaust outside the building?

Interior exhaust is only acceptable if it is impossible to exhaust outside, and is only acceptable under the specific procedures in Appendix A of the Safety PIN.

50 Does the entire construction site need to be negatively pressurized, or can we have a negative anti-room?

Depends on level III or IV. The entire construction area (room, section of building, etc.) covered by the PCRA/ICRA must be under negative pressure for level III and IV, not just the anteroom. The anteroom ensures pressure control and is a staging area. Level I and II must not allow for dust control/barriers. Level I is reserved for minimal dust generation (i.e. very light sanding and painting). Level II would require doors and penetrations to be covered and/or some barrier in place to minimize risk for dust penetrations. See below ICRA guidance.

Level III: Maintain .01 inches /water gauge negative pressurization of the entire workspace by use of HEPA exhaust air systems directed outdoors, or comply with the alternative method outline in Appendix A of the VHA ICRA template. These control measures must be maintained continuously 24/7 for the duration of the project.

Exhausting discharged air into shared or recirculating HVAC systems, or other shared exhaust systems (e.g., bathroom exhaust) is prohibited.

Check box to indicate exhaust method: Exterior ☐ Alternative Interior Method ☐

6. Install a differential pressure sensing device (e.g., magnehelic, manometer, or digital monitoring) on exterior of work containment to continually monitor and document negative pressurization. The “ball in the wall” or similar apparatus are not acceptable.

Level IV: Containment must include an anteroom to ensure pressure control, Anteroom must be large enough for equipment staging, cart cleaning, workers’ PPE and cleaning.

51 Spec 14 21 10-5 call for A17.1 2019 code compliant in 14 21 10-5, but two-way communication in 14 21 0-28 it calls for 2019 or later. Can the VA please advise of what ASME A17.1 code year the project is desired.

The intent is for the project to comply with ASME A17.1-2019 for all elevator-related sections, including two-way communication requirements. If a more recent edition is formally adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before system acceptance and does not create a conflict with VA-specific requirements, the Contractor may propose using the later edition for VA review and written approval.

52 14 24 10 – 30 (d) Hydraulic specs – Can roller guides for hydraulic be 3” instead of 6” if capacity is adequate?

Yes, if adequate space allows.

53 Hydraulic specs. 14 24 10-18 2.14(b) call for submersible pump with motor and valve mounted above tank, please clarify as this is uncommon.

Motor, valve, and pump may be housed inside the tank.

54 14 24 10 – Hydraulic specs 1.10 calls for back up emergency power connections, but 2.9 calls for battery lowering. Please confirm design intent for hydraulic elevators.

For hydraulic elevators, battery lowering will be sufficient.

55 Can the VA identify if the elevators have the pre transfer signals from the ATS existing?

Yes.

56 If no pre-transfer signal currently exists, does the ATS have the capability to send the pre-transfer signals to the elevators to be served?

See RFI 55. Yes.

57 Motion Control Engineering product data is included in the bid documents, but the specification did not call for MCE. Can the VA please confirm that other non-proprietary controller manufacturers and equipment is acceptable?

MCE is the basis of design but is not required for the project. Other non-proprietary elevator controls that integrate with the Siemens Desigo BMS would be acceptable.

58 14 24 10 1.1C They hydro specifications “elevator schedule” for the hydraulics identify P13 and P14 also noted as P1 and P2, can the VA please confirm the capacity and speeds of cars P13 and P14?

Refer to Sheet A-100 detail A6 / Hydro Elevators 1 & 2 and Sheet A- 100 detail B6 / Hydro Elevators 13 & 14. Both show capacity and speeds.

59 14 21 10-21 2.15 – are the machine replacement like for like, or is the option there to change machine type application?

Only geared or gearless overhead machines will be acceptable. They must be mounted in the machine room. Bid like to like.

60 14 21 10-22 – 2.21, can the safeties be of the same type OEM that is already in place but replaced with new if applicable?

Safeties must be replaced with new.

61 Detail B6 on Drawing A-301 shows cars 11 & 12 that have front and rear opening, specs do not call front and rear opening. Can the VA confirm cars 11 & 12 have front and rear door complexity?

Yes, Elevators 11 and 12 have front and rear door access.

62 Detail B6 on Drawing A-304, calls for the contractor is to build out a New Machine room for ICU Elev. 2?

a. There are contradictions on Machine room framing details. Detail C4 on A-100 designates Gypsum board to be installed to the existing wall. Detail B6 on A-304 notes New 1-hour walls. Can the VA confirm if contractors are to build new walls or install gypsum board to an existing wall?

i. Can the VA provide a typical framing detail for the New 1-hour wall.

b. Detail B6 on A-304 shows a New 20 min solid core wood door, Detail C4 on A-100 notes a new 45-minute solid core wood door, typical machine room doors are rated at 90 minutes. Can the VA confirm design intent?

The new machine room must match the hoistway enclosure which is a 2 hour assembly. The new 2 hour wall assembly is as follows:

3 5/8” metal studs that are 16 gauge / 16 “ on center / floor to structure above / 2 layers of 5/8” type “X” gypsum board on both sides / rated caulking at all penetrations and at the bottom of the structural deck above / door assembly is 90 minutes.

63 Can the VA please confirm the cab interior allowance noted on A-100 is for all cars hydro and traction?

a. Can the VA confirm that Cab flooring is not included in the Cab interior allowance?

Yes: Sheet A-100 specifies $20,000 allowance for all hydraulic elevators in B5 general notes, and $20,000 allowance for all electric elevators in D7 general notes.

Flooring is included in the allowance.

64 Drawing A-101, Detail D3 – shows three types of flooring, can the VA clarify which elevators are to receive which type of flooring.

VA is requesting the AE send us physical samples for the flooring so our Interior Designer can make a determination. Please base estimate on the highest cost option of the three, in case we do not get determination by proposal date.

65 Drawing A-301, detail A1 – Can the VA provide spec on the new ceiling tile for the Elev. 1 lobby?

a. There are no other details that call out for new ceiling tile. Can the VA confirm this is correct?

See drawing sheet A-100, callout C4.

66 Drawing A-100 Detail C4 calls out for a new 2’x2’ lay-in ceiling and grid system to be installed and match existing. Can the VA provide specs on existing ceiling system to match?

This information is not available in our records (likely from pre-VA use/ownership). Field verification needed. The VA TIL specifies acoustical ceiling tile (AT) for elevator lobbies, so offers can be based on putting in AT.

67 Drawing A-100 Detail C4 calls out for new VCT flooring and base, can the VA provide approved manufacturer or Catalog #?

VA TIL specifies epoxy instead of VCT for elevator lobbies. This will be updated in the final contract documents.

In-house construction team has been using the following epoxy:

Epoxyshield 240 oz. Gray High-Gloss, Low Voc 2-Part Epoxy Concrete Basement and Garage Floor Kit by Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield

68 Can the VA identify a laydown area on site where contractors can stage materials and equipment?

See RFI 28.

69 14 21 10-20 – 2.18 Can the VA please confirm if the hydraulic plunger assemblies are to be replaced or retained? Section 2.16 says to retain or replace, please confirm design intent.

Jack assemblies to be retained. Refer to Sheet A-100 E6.

70 Does the VA have capabilities to monitor, talk to text and video monitoring for ADA emergency communication per ASME A17.1-2019?

No. This is a requirement to be added through this construction project.

71 Please provide contact information for existing building Fire Alarm vendor. Veterans Fire and Life Safety Corporation 7 Sherri Lane Saint Peters, MO 63376 Tel: (314) 328-4433 https://www.vflsc.com/ https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-EpoxyShield-Epoxyshield-240-oz-Gray-High-Gloss-Low-Voc-2-Part-Epoxy-Concrete-Basement-and-Garage-Floor-Kit-365187/314107168 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-EpoxyShield-Epoxyshield-240-oz-Gray-High-Gloss-Low-Voc-2-Part-Epoxy-Concrete-Basement-and-Garage-Floor-Kit-365187/314107168 https://www.vflsc.com/

72 Please provide contact information for existing building Fire Protection vendor.

Veterans Fire and Life Safety Corporation 7 Sherri Lane Saint Peters, MO 63376 Tel: (314) 328-4433 https://www.vflsc.com/

73 Please provide contact information for existing building BAS/BMS controls vendor.

Siemens Government Technologies, Inc.

1881 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 200 Reston, VA 20191 Tel: (703) 483-2000 Fax: (703) 483-2001 http://www.siemensgovt.com

74 Can the VA confirm if an ARC flash study will be required Yes, VHA facilities are required to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and NFPA 70E standards regarding arc flash hazards, which necessitate an arc flash study. VHA Directive 1028 mandates that electrical systems are operated in compliance with OSHA and NFPA, requiring hazard identification, PPE, and proper labeling. VHA & OSHA Arc Flash Study Requirements. VHA Directive 1028: Ensures compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E for Electrical Power Distribution Systems, requiring that VA medical facilities maintain safe electrical systems.

OSHA General Duty Clause (Section 5): While not explicitly using the phrase "arc flash study" in all regulations, OSHA mandates a workplace free from recognized hazards. Because arc flash is a recognized hazard, an assessment is required. NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace): This standard, which VHA cites as a compliance benchmark, requires an arc flash risk assessment (study) to determine boundaries and PPE. Mandatory Components: A study must identify the arc flash boundary, incident energy levels, and appropriate PPE. When to Perform: Studies are required when new electrical equipment is installed or when modifications are made to the electrical distribution system. For more specific guidance, VHA personnel can access the VHA Center for Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health (CEOSH) website.

https://www.vflsc.com/ http://www.siemensgovt.com/

75 Are new sump pumps to be tied into the existing BAS system, please clarify?

Yes. Please refer to drawing sheet M-201 Mechanical & Plumbing General Notes #11.

76 Two primary fire alarm panels were identified on site. One is a Siemens panel and the other is a Notifier panel. Both are currently red tagged with multiple troubles and have not been addressed since 2024 per the inspection and service tags. Can the VA tell us which elevators currently operate on which panels? Also, if any elevators are currently operating under Siemens, will they need to remain on that panel or be moved to the Notifier system? This will be primarily of concern for elevators 11-12 and 13-14.

Elevators 11 and 12 are on Siemens in the pits and are on Notifier outside the doors. They will eventually need changed over to Notifier.

Elevators 13 and 14 are on Notifier.

77 Specifications 1.10D – General Requirements section 01 00 00-18 - note that an NPDES permit is required. Can the VA clarify if that is accurate?

No, this is not anticipated to be required. Please refer to 40 CFR Part 122.