36E77620R0001-0005061.docx

Technical Questions and Answers Providence Continued

1. RFI question and response #6 issued within Amendment #3 stated The Contractor is responsible for utility fees and these fees should be included within the bid amount under their appropriate divisions. Unfortunately, local utility providers will not quote estimates until a work order is filed, and at this point we are not contractually able to do so on the owner’s behalf. Since this project requires all new utility connections, we anticipate these fees could exceed $50,000 for electrical, domestic water, fire water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and natural gas connections. If contractor is to include will the government provide an allowance to be included in the bid?

Permit fees associated with connection to local utilities, or services provided by local utilities related to connections, as it relates to this construction project shall be paid for by the Contactor and invoiced to the VA. The VA shall issue a modification to the Contract to reimburse the Contractor the cost of the fees upon receiving a documented invoice, through the Contractor, from the respective utility company. The Contractor should not include utility connection fees as part of their bid. Overhead and profit shall not be applied to these fees.

2. What is the correct wage rate for the project for bid purposes?

See Attachment Wage Determination Providence

3. AF100-103 Finish Plan Notes list FWP: Fabric Wrapped Panel and we have a specification for 09 84 33 Sound-absorbing Wall Units but none are shown on the floor plans. Where are these required and how many?

Provide Fabric Wrapped Panels meeting the requirements of specification 09 84 33 in all locations shown on the Interior Elevations, including the classroom and communication center. See 090600 for finish.

4. Walkway pads are listed in specification 07 53 23-6 2.6 Walkway Pads and 3.7 states “See drawings for additional locations.” None are shown on the drawing. Are walk pads required on the roof?

Yes, walkway pads should be provided. Provide pads from 'roof access to equipment and equipment access and maintenance points' as noted in 3.7.A. Coordinate with equipment shown on mechanical roof plan. There are no additional locations where walkway pands are needed.

5. Wall Types M4B and M6B are indicated on drawing AE100A but are not identified on the Partition Types and Details drawings AE601 and AE602. Please advise.

Walls M4B and M6B are 1hr rated partitions. See revised sheet AS601.

6. Is the building located within a controlled perimeter?

Yes. Per sheet CD101 Removals Notes #12 "Perimeter security must be maintained at all times."

7. What is the design standoff distance?

The project is classified as a Life Safety Protected facility and has a 25’ standoff distance

8. What charge weight should be applied?

The specifications provide a pressure/impulse pair to be used for design. The standoff distance is 25’, but the charge weight that is associated with the standoff yields a pressure/impulse that is far greater than the pair in the specifications. As this higher pressure/impulse does not need to be met, the charge weight has not been given to avoid confusion. All design should be based on the pressure/impulse pair provided in the specifications.

9. What type of granite is to be used for granite band, granite curb, and granite planter?

Refer to Rhode Island DOT standard details and specifications for granite materials. Per the RIDOT standard specifications under M.09.01 GRANITE CURB FOR ROADWAYS. Granite shall conform to ASTM C615.

10. The specs are calling for all accessories to be anti-ligature. Is this required in all of the bathrooms?

Anti-ligature accessories are not required for this project. Please disregard all references to anti-ligature items.

11. Drawing AE401 is calling for the soap and paper towel dispensers to be by Owner. Will the Owner also be supplying the toilet paper dispensers?

Yes. VA Supplied, VA Installed. Contractor is responsible for the blocking.

12. WE have been informed that the specified toilet paper dispenser is not available in anti-ligature and would have to be a single roll unit. Please advise.

Anti-ligature accessories are not required for this project. Please disregard all references to anti-ligature items.

13. Toilet 117 is calling for a diaper changing station. There is no specified manufacturer, and this item is not available at all to be anti-ligature or security grade. Please advise.

Anti-ligature accessories are not required for this project. Please disregard all references to anti-ligature items.

14. The specifications do not mention anti-ligature or locks, etc. Please advise.

Anti-ligature accessories are not required for this project. Please disregard all references to anti-ligature items.

15. Refer to sheet AE201/Building Elevations - Exterior VA Signage in quadrant B4. Can you provide dimensions, specifications, and artwork for this signage?

Interior and Exterior signage is specified in section 101400. Final design to be reviewed during shop drawing phase, and must be in compliance with VA Signage Design Guides. Plaque shown is to be 36" diameter. VA plaque design guide has been provided for reference. VA logo beneath plaque to be exterior, non-illuminated dimensional letters meeting the specs and design guide, and approximately 11'-4" wide by 18" tall.

16. Reference Specification 07 27 27 – there is overlap and discrepancy in the Air Barrier testing requirements. Who is contractually required to hire and pay for the Air Barrier Testing?

The contractor is required to provide products and system meeting all specification requirements, and provide certifications and test reports as such. Contractor is responsible for hiring a certified installer and field supervisor and providing all required documentation. The VA will be hiring a 3rd party Exterior Closure Commissioning Agent who will perform the duties outlined in section 070800, including Membrane Air Barrier tests. The contractor shall coordinate with and provide access to VA's commissioning agent, and must make any corrective actions required to bring project in compliance with the contract documents.

17. What remediation is required for a failed air barrier test?

Failure implies that the product was not installed according to specifications. Contractor is responsible for any corrective action required to make sure installation is complete meeting all specifications.

18. "Reference Specification 01 00 00-13 b. “maintain negative air at all times”; “Insure continuous negative air pressure” Reference Specification 01 35 33-3 3. “Maintain negative air pressure within the work site utilizing HEPA-equipped air filtration units.

Are these specs applicable since this project is new construction, detached from any active patient environments?"

It can be anticipated that negative air pressure will not be required for this project as it is a stand alone building separated from Building 1.