36H79718R0021-0002001.docx

Lake City, FL 36H79718R0021 Clarifications March 1, 2019

Question 1: Ordering Data (Medium Production Thermal Fluid Flatwork Ironer) Specification calls for “exhausting ventilating canopy”. Would a fully insulated canopy with vacuum roll exhaust separate burner exhaust be acceptable?

Answer: Yes Question 2: The burner exhaust is required to be sealed twin-walled exhaust and cannot be provided with cleanout doors. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Yes Question 3: The specification calls for a thin-chest ironer. Would a deep-chest ironer similar to what is in operation at dozens of VA laundry facilities including Lake City be acceptable?

Answer: Yes Question 4: The specification calls for all pipe connections to be accessible from the side of the ironer. Due to the design of the deep-chest ironer, there are a few connections which are not accessible from the side. Will this be acceptable? If not, what will the testing protocol consist of during inspection to verify the bidder meets this requirement?

Answer: Yes Question 5: The specification calls for 2 preset contact pressures activated via program. If a deep-chest ironer is determined to be acceptable, given the fact that it does not flex and requires only a single down pressure will this requirement be waived?

Answer: Yes

Question 6: The specification calls for 4” of insulation around the chest and 2” on the side frame. Would a deep chest ironer with fully-insulated side shields (on the edges of the roll as opposed to the outside of the ironer) and an insulated canopy with an R-Value of R-5.7 be considered acceptable even though it does not meet the exact thickness? Flex chest ironers typically require larger amounts of insulation that are not required on a deep-chest ironer. If this is not acceptable, what is the required insulating R-Value of the 2” and 4” insulation? Additionally, what will the testing protocol consist of during inspection to verify the bidder meets this requirement?

Answer: Must meet Manufacturers’ recommended requirements Question 7: The specification calls for a waxing alarm to be included. The requirement and frequency for waxing should be site process driven to match up with operators break periods so as not to be disruptive to production operations. As such, would an ironer without a waxing alarm be acceptable?

Answer: No Question 8: Would an ironer which incorporates the temperature readouts into the color, touch-screen PLC control as opposed to separate ½” LED displays be considered?

Answer:Yes Question 9: The specification calls for a production status indicator light to be present on the ironer. Would an alternate of the production light being located on the feeder or folder be acceptable?

Answer:Yes Question 10: The spec states, “Thermocouple shall be installed on the incoming steam supply line with remote digital temperature readout. Digital LED temperature display shall be a minimum 1/2-inch in height.” We assume this is not applicable given the new direct fired system, please confirm.

Answer: Correct Question 11: The spec states, “Thermocouple shall be installed on the condensate return line with remote digital temperature readout. Digital LED temperature display shall be a minimum 1/2-inch in height.” We assume this is not applicable given the new direct fired system, please confirm.

Answer: Correct Question 12: How should sales tax be treated on this project?

Answer: Tax exempt certificates can be provided by the station if the state is tax exempt. Please reach out to the station when contract is awarded.

Question 13: Should each bidder include payment and performance bonds with their bid?

Answer: Please follow the specific information requested in Section E: Submittal Instructions.

Question 14: Is there any asbestos on the insulation for the existing ironing system and its piping?

Answer: Asbestos has been abated/encapsulated per FMS Safety.

Question 15: Are there any scaled plans of the facility available?

Answer: No Question 16: What is the natural gas inlet size / pressure feeding the laundry? Answer: Utilities -2 psi. with regulator max. 3 psi.

Question 17: A lightning protection system is currently installed at roof above clean room/ ironer. Will lightning protection be required at new ducts?

Answer: Yes Question 18: What is the maximum moisture retention of the each linen type being processed?

Answer: Moisture retention from washers approx. 35% moisture and when run thru ironer 0% moisture Written Narratives Outlining the Workflow: Written narratives outlining the workflow must show that there are no bottlenecks in the system that will affect overall production and that all work will be transferred by mechanical transport without use of carts.

Question 19: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: Please see above questions/answers

Question 20: Are structural (specifically the floor) drawings available for the “clean side” laundry area? If so, please provide structural / other drawings that are available.

Answer: No Question 21: The “existing” equipment (below- listed on bid form) was not observed onsite. Please advise.

Answer: This equipment is listed in error and will not be traded in.

Question 22: Is it possible to extend the bid due date by 1-2 weeks?

Answer: Yes, the solicitation will be extended. The new close date for the solicitation is March 29, 2019.

Schedule (p.4) lists a spreader feeder, a folder crossfolder with accumulator and a stacker/conveyor as equipment items scheduled to be traded-in. These machines have been taken out of service and are not currently located in Laundry B74.

Question 23: Please confirm the spreader feeder, folder crossfolder with Accumulator and stacker/conveyor are being traded-in. If affirmative, please provide the serial numbers for each machine.

Answer: As stated in answer for question 21, this equipment is not being traded in.

Project Special Requirements:

Question 24:

a. Para.1 (p.6) – States: “The contractor shall provide all labor, materials… for the complete installation of a new small piece folder…”. Confirm reference to small piece folder is a typo and should state “new thermal fluid flatwork ironing system.”

Answer: Yes it’s a typo, should be New Thermal Fluid Ironing System

b. Para 5. (p.6) - ) Indicates “Sufficient fresh air supply is essential to assure efficient combustion and area of air supply openings for ironer must be in compliance with applicable codes and regulations.”

Question 25: Is the minimum requirement to provide a separate, insulated & PVC jacketed outside combustion supply air duct with motorized damper interconnected to the ironer controls for indirect fresh air make-up for the ironer heater burner?

Answer: Yes

c. Para. 6 (p.6) – Refers to proper venting of the new ironer combustion gases.

Question 26: What is the minimum design requirement for the new combustion positive pressure vent/flue system?

Answer: Minimum requirements are pre-fabricated U.L. Listed gas-tight, double wall flue systems having a 304 stainless steel inner liner and an aluminized steel jacket with 1” thick ceramic fiber insulation between the inner and outer jacket and a drain provided to collect condensation and be installed in compliance with VA Construction Specification Section 15400 Breeching, Chimney & Stacks.

Question 27: Hurricane Equipment Protection – Concerning new equipment duct work and vents installed on the roof… will the VA require the installation of reinforcement(s) to meet applicable building codes such as MIAMI-DADE HVHZ Design Requirements?

Answer: Yes

Question 28: Laundry B74 has an existing lightening ground protection system on the roof. Confirm if the bidder is required to furnish and install new air terminal devices on new equipment ductwork & plumbing vents and connect to existing grounding system.

Answer: Yes

Question 29: Drawings shall include adjacent equipment to show that equipment offered will fit into an approved layout alongside existing equipment. Offered layout must be approved if it changes the layout of the existing equipment. The drawings shall show the following egress requirements: • The minimum requirement around all non-moving pieces is a space allowing of 24 inches. • The minimum requirement around all moving pieces is a space allowance of 36 inches.

Any changes necessary to complete installation due to incomplete or erroneous drawings and/or instructions furnished to the VA will be the responsibility of the contractor.

We have requested as-built drawing of the building which by regulation and/or act of law or practice are to be kept on file and available in the Engineering office. We are still waiting to receive a copy of these documents which are required to be on file in the Engineering office. Without these drawings we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any submittal drawings.

Answer: As the RFP stated ,no drawings are provided

General Installation Requirements:

Question 30: Para. 1 (p.14) Confirm electrical power for the new ironer is to be new from existing panel boards. (i.e. replace existing branch circuit conduits and conductor wire).

Answer: Yes

Question 31: Para. 5e (p.8) Existing equipment power circuits are installed in IMC conduits. Confirm if all new conduit systems are to match existing IMC type.

Answer: Yes

Plumbing & Pressure Piping:

Question 32: Is copper tubing with rolled-type, mechanical-type press fit fittings permissible for installing new compressed air piping system?

Answer: Yes

Question 33: Is the existing steam & return branch piping that is disconnected from the trade-in ironer to be demolished back to the respective main located is the pipe space and capped? Are the floor penetrations for the respective steam & return risers to be infilled?

Answer: Yes

Question 34: What is the line pressure of the existing natural gas main supply to Laundry B74?

Answer: Utilities -2 psi. with regulator max. 3 psi.

Question 35: What is the outlet pressure of the new PRV (located adjacent to clean side overhead door) serving Laundry B74?

Answer: No PRV here. Utilities -2 psi. with regulator max. 3 psi.

Training of Operating Personnel:

a. (p.22) Training of Operating Personnel

Question 36: What are the minimum number of training days during the five (5) workday shakedown period for: a) the operating personnel, and b) the maintenance personnel; two (2) each?

Answer: 2 days operator training and 3 days maintenance training

B.4 LIST OF DELIVERABLES:

45-day installation design drawings.

Question 37: Are the installation design drawings to be sealed by a registered professional architect/engineer?

Answer:Yes

Question 38: Does the VA require the successful bidder to include Btu heat radiation & air balance volumes design load information & calculations for the equipment?

Answer:Yes

Question 39: Drawing and Room Preparation Instructions – Because this acquisition requires architectural, structural, mechanical & electrical engineering design… Is the design information listed below typical to information furnished in past VA projects considered the minimum applicable requirement?

a) Existing equipment demolition information;

b) New equipment set-out information including anchorage details;

c) Architectural demolition & new work information and applicable details, sections, elevations;

d) Structural new work information and applicable details, sections, elevations;

e) Mechanical plumbing & pressure piping demolition & installation information, details, equipment utility connection schedule/details;

f) Mechanical demolition & new work installation information, details, equipment connection schedule/details; and,

g) Electrical demolition & new work installation information, details, equipment connection details, panel schedules for existing and new work, power load calculation, new/relocated lighting fixtures details.

Answer:Yes

Question 40: As part of the 45-day drawing submittals… Will the VA require inclusion of structural information (drawings and design calculations) for the equipment systems being furnished and installed (i.e. all roof/floor loadings and structural support design, including anchorage related to the finishing system, etc.)?

Answer:Yes

SECTION C – CONTRACT CLAUSES:

Para (q) (p.27) – Other Compliances: States “The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.”

Question 41: What are the minimum wage rates required by the contract for workers performing work at the worksite?

Answer: This is not a construction contract. Therefore, wage requirements are not applicable.

Question 42: Section D did not include a wage decision attachment. Will an applicable decision be amended to the solicitation prior to the bidding date?

Answer: No amendment will be completed for wage determination as it is not applicable to this contract.

TECHNICAL/PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS:

ITEM #1 – Thermal Fluid Flatwork Ironing System

Question 43: Para. I (p.1) Totalizing non-resettable gas meter. Confirm meter is to be an in-line multivariable mass vortex type flow meter.

Answer: Yes

Question 44: State how clean textiles will arrive to the new ironing system. By the existing overhead monorail, by linen cart?

Answer: Monorail

Question 45: Folder Crossfolder – Is a four-lane small piece accumulator required for receiving small pieces form the ironer?

Answer: No

Question 46: Folder Crossfolder Discharge – State which side the crossfolder is to discharge. Left side or right side?

Answer: Left

Question 47: The RFP states that the normal working hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Are the allowable contractor working hours also 8:00 am to 4:30 pm?

Answer: Yes but work cannot interfere with Textile Production Question 48: Is the contractor allowed to work weekends and off-hours?

Answer: Yes The flatwork ironer shall be equipped with a totalizing non-resettable gas meter. The nonresettable gas meter is required for the flatwork ironer and heater to prove fuel consumption is less than the heat input limit in therms per year.

Question 49: What is the heat input limit in therms per year?

Answer: These numbers can vary In order to respond to this requirement, and to meet a btu input limit in therms per year, the following information will be required so that the computations of gas consumption can be performed:

Question 50: maximum of operating hours per year Answer: 3,640 maximum operating hours per year Question 51: maximum production in pieces/pounds per year Answer: This number can vary Question 52: What is the maximum moisture retention of the linen being processed Answer: Moisture retention from washers approx. 35% moisture and when run thru ironer 0% moisture Question 53: a complete listing of the quantity of each type of linen being processed including thread count, weight, size, thickness and fabric type.

Answer: This is standard hospital linen Furnish and install 4-Plex GFI receptacles at each equipment location for mechanics use.

Question 54: What is the required voltage and amperage for the outlets?

Answer: 110 volts Technical Volume Content:

Textile Care Processing Equipment Layout Drawings (for information and evaluation): Offerors shall submit descriptive literature, technical proposals, and five 1/4-inch scale drawings of the layout of the new textile care processing equipment offered. Drawings shall be self explanatory showing: 1. Building column line identification, north arrow, arrow indicating soil in, and arrow indicating clean out.

Question 55: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: Shows the work flow and no bottle necks Overall layout dimensions in relationship to floor space requirements, plus monorail heights and sling bags. Include minimum clearance of 36 inches between moving parts and fixed objects and 24 inches between non-moving parts and fixed objects.

Question 56: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: Shows the work flow and no bottle necks and maintenance working space Drawings shall have a legend listing all equipment proposed, including quantities, and identify locations of equipment.

Question 57: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: This will allow the station to not only see the equipment on the drawing but will also give a description of them Actual filled sling locations that comply with VA storage and sling requirements, as specified in the attached Technical Performance Specifications.

Question 58: How far in advance does the old equipment need to be removed from the facility? Can we remove it on the same day as delivery?

Answer: Trade in removed when equipment is being installed

Question 59: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: Shows the work flow and no bottle necks and storage capacity and no interference with equipment offered Mathematical calculations, depicting volume requirements for all conveyors and all equipment offered, including a summation that depicts total system compliance.

Question 60: How does this apply to this RFP?

Answer: To ensure equipment being offered meets production requirements

Production and Storage Calculations: Production and storage calculations of the laundry requirements and all data that substantiates the computations shall be submitted as a separate document. Sources and references for this submitted data are required.

Question 61: We did not see any production requirements in the specifications for the ironer? Are we to understand that the production requirements for the ironer and the spreader/feeder are the same as listed for the folder?

Answer:

Ordering Data (Medium Production Combination Spreader Feeding Machine):

Furnish and install 1 (ea.) – clip or clip-less spreader feeding machines with large piece vacuum. Spreader feeder shall be capable of meeting ironer production requirements.

1. Combination spreader feeding machine shall be capable of producing 900 sheets per hour, 1080 pillowcases per hour, 900 (36 inches X 36 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour, 900 (24 inches X 24 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour.

Ordering Data (Medium Production Thermal Fluid Flatwork Ironer):

3. Production standards are - 900 sheets per hour, 1080 pillowcases per hour, 900 (36 inches X 36 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour, 900 (24 inches X 24 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour.

Ordering Data Medium Production Folder Cross Folder with Large Piece Stacker Conveyor:

Furnish and install 1 (ea.) – Four lane primary and three cross fold combination folder-cross-folder. Folder shall be an integral unit equipped with a conveyor feed and capable of meeting ironer production requirements. Production requirements - 900 sheets per hour, 1080 pillowcases per hour, 900 (36 inches X 36 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour, 900 (24 inches X 24 inches) double thickness cotton surgical wraps per hour.

The folder cross folder shall have a color touch screen controls & information systems” that incorporate automatic/manual machine operation, self-testing, fault display and built-in diagnostics.

All the above is listed in the technical specifications posted with the RFP

E.2 SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Offerors shall provide information as described below. Failure to submit complete information in the manner described below for either the Business or Technical Proposal may be considered to be an incomplete response and exclude the proposal from further consideration.

The offeror shall submit its proposal in two volumes in the format and quantities described below. In addition, one (1) CD copy shall be included.

VOLUME VOLUME TITLE NUMBER OF COPIES

I BUSINESS 1

II TECHNICAL 6

The volumes shall be submitted in a sealed envelope or box. The envelope shall be addressed to: Department of Veterans Affairs, OPAL/National Acquisition Center, Building 37, 1st Avenue, One Block North of Cermak, Hines, IL 60141, Attn: Patricia Gibson, and shall show the time specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the offeror.

1. Business Volume Content. The Business volume shall contain:

1. Pricing Proposal: The offeror's pricing proposal, consisting of a properly completed and signed solicitation document as specified in Block 28 of Standard Form 1449. Offerors shall complete Blocks 30a, 30b, and 30c of the Standard Form 1449 and the attached ACH form. All information and certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM) database (www.sam.gov) should be completed. All cost or price information shall be included in the pricing proposal. The offeror’s DUNS number must be shown on the SF 1449.

1. Past Performance Information: Provide a list of customer references on the attached Prior Experience form, where you have provided and installed the same or similar equipment within the past 3 years. Use the additional spaces, if necessary, to provide the following information for each reference:

1. Contract number;

2. Customer point of contact, including phone number and e-mail address;

3. Locations where equipment was installed;

4. Type and model of equipment installed;

5. When the system was installed; and

6. Purchase price of the system.

1. Technical Volume Content: No cost or price information shall be included in the Technical Proposal. The Technical proposal should describe the offeror’s capability to meet each of the minimum technical requirements as specified in the attached Technical Performance Standards document, especially if the descriptive literature does not contain the required information. The offeror shall provide data as part of its proposal that addresses the following:

a. EQUIPMENT CAPABILITY Offerors shall describe the offered equipment capabilities and or/features that meet/exceed the requirements of this solicitation. Offerors shall be specific in identifying the equipment’s performance specifications and or/features that exceed the requirements. Offerors shall provide product literature, equipment specification sheets, or other materials that document the equipment’s capabilities. Equipment capabilities must align with the requirements set forth within the Technical Performance Specifications. Offerors must describe the capabilities of equipment offered as alternate/optional equipment items, along with the required literature/brochures. Proposed equipment must work with existing equipment and not prevent operational capabilities.

b. SPACE UTILIZATION Offerors should submit space utilization information that fully includes all the Government's requirements with details that show satisfactory egress around all pieces of equipment. The minimum requirement around all non-moving pieces is a space allowance of 24 inches. Egress above 24 inches shall be detailed and will be considered more highly. The minimum requirement around all moving pieces is a space allowance of 36 inches. Additionally, space utilization information must show that there are no bottlenecks with equipment offered that will affect overall production and space utilization. Units provide sufficient access for daily maintenance and cleanup with minimal adjustment of equipment or components. The footprint utilizes available space to prevent additional construction, plumbing, electrical or other utility connections.

c. INSTALLATION TIMELINE Offerors should submit a description of the demolition and installation work schedule and phasing plan with sufficient detail to enable VA to determine the effect on production and operations; submissions should meet the contract minimum installation schedule. Shorter installation time will be rated more highly. The laundry operates an 8-hour day shift, Monday through Friday. Therefore, an offeror’s installation timeline should ensure as little down time as possible.

d. Descriptive Literature (for evaluation): Descriptive literature means information (e.g., cuts, illustrations, drawings and brochures) that is submitted as part of a technical proposal. Descriptive literature is required to establish, for the purpose of evaluation, details of the product offered that are specified in the minimum technical/performance requirements (see solicitation attachment), and pertain to significant elements such as design, materials, components, performance characteristics, and methods of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation.

For the purpose of determining technical acceptability, descriptive literature must be identified (Highlighted) to show the appropriate model and type and all component items for functions offered and clearly show that the item(s) offered are in compliance with the minimum technical/performance requirements as stated in the solicitation attachment.

Performance capabilities shall be listed for all offered equipment. Identify in the submitted technical data where these capabilities are described. The statement "COMPLIES" is not acceptable.

e. Production and Storage Calculations: Production and storage calculations and all data that substantiates the computations shall be submitted as a separate document. Sources and references for this submitted data are required.

j. Laundry Facilities – On a separate document, offeror must provide the following information for each type of equipment offered:

0. Appropriate "Purchase Description" Item number (Re: Item 1, etc.) and specific model number/type offered.

0. Laundry Facility name, address and telephone number.

0. Indicate dollar value of spare parts inventory carried for the type of equipment specified.

0. Indicate number of qualified technicians or mechanics.

k. Authorized Representatives: The offeror shall list the names, titles and telephone numbers of representatives of the firm who are authorized to discuss technical proposals in the firm's behalf. If additional information is required by VA, representatives shall be available for discussions. If necessary, written responses shall be submitted within time-frames established by the contracting officer.

(Name) (Title) (Telephone No.)

(Name) (Title) (Telephone No.)

Facsimile Telephone No.:_______________________________

All documents to be sent to:

Department of Veterans Affairs OPAL/National Acquisition Center Building 37 1st Avenue, One Block North of Cermak Hines, IL 60141 Attn: Patricia Gibson

SITE VISIT

In order to install the new equipment, other existing equipment may have to be protected, moved, and reinstalled by the offeror(s). It is the responsibility of the contractor to make a site visit to determine what equipment, if any, may need to be protected, moved, and reinstalled.

Calendar dates and hours of site visits, equipment delivery, removal of existing equipment and installation shall be coordinated with the COR, Mr. Michael Chaney, Laundry Operations Specialist/COR, (352) 213-4993 All questions will be directed to the Contracting Officer in writing and an official government response shall be posted to an amendment to the solicitation.