RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

Project 515-20-101 – Renovate Common Areas, Various Buildings – Battle Creek VAMC

1. Page AF100. Expansion Joint Detail 02. What is the range of the expansion joint span? Can you confirm that recess for expansion joint frame is existing and modifications to existing floor slab is not required? Can you confirm that all expansion joint floor opening to be protected is one (1) hour? What is the basis of design for manufacturer of expansion joints? The expansion joint opening dimensions need to be confirmed in the field. The recess for expansion is not known, and existing drawings did not provide this detail of information. Exploratory demolition was not done in this instance and will be the responsibility of the contractor. One (1) hour rating. Basis of design manufacturer is Inpro: 925 Fire Barrier Expansion Joint System.

2. Can the superintendent also be the QCM? The superintendent can have collateral duties as described in Safety Requirements 01 35 26 -1.7.

3. Can the superintendent be both the SSHO? The superintendent can have collateral duties as described in Safety Requirements 01 35 26 -1.7.

4. Is the project Tax Exempt? No

5. Due to the existing COVID-19 restrictions, can this proposal be emailed to a designated person in lieu of hand deliver? No. Refer to Solicitation.

6. Due to the fact that this solicitation requires us to “hold” our pricing for 180 calendar days for acceptance, and given the recent uncertainty in materials and labor costs, would the Government consider including the FAR Clause 52.216-4, Economic Price Adjustment for Labor and Material in this Solicitation? No. Not applicable to this project. Please refer to the FAR Clauses in the

Solicitation.

7. Can photos of existing areas be provided for review? No

8. Sheet S-2 is missing from the drawing list as referenced within the documents. If S-2 is referenced within the documents, it is referring to sheet S002 – Foundations and Framing Details.

9. Can more than one (1) phase be completed at the same time? The current contract documents call for phases 1-9 to be done in sequence with no overlap. It will be up to the VABC COR Wes

Exposito if phases can be run concurrent of each other and deviate from the current contract documents. However, for bidding purposes it must be consistent from contractor to contractor how the work is going to happen.

10. In Phase 10 – multiple locations: What are the requirements for closing building entrance – exit for egress requirements? The Phase 10 exterior canopy work must be coordinated and have prior approval from the COR before work can happen. The closing of buildings will be coordinated with the COR.

11. In Phase 10 – multiple locations: Can you provide photos of all interiors and specific requirements for segregation? Photos were to be acquired during the pre-bid walkthrough.

12. In Phase 10 – multiple locations: What are the specific ICRA requirements? Specific ICRA requirements are called out in the 01 35 26 Safety Requirements section 1.12.

13. On page AS 100, have soil borings been taken at new canopy/vestibule locations? No. Soil borings have not been taken. Given the scale of canopies, and minimal weight, the footings and foundations were designed with code requirements met.

14. On Page 002 AD 100:

a. Hazardous demo notes: Can the door be removed during normal hours? No. Door must be removed during after-hours.

b. Hazardous demo notes: Note H4: Can you provide photos/information of existing tile extents etc., and limits of tile? There is no H4 note on 002 AD 100.

c. Note 1 calls for modification of existing frames. Can you provide existing frame manufacturer to allow for accurate modification compliance? The AE is not aware of whom the existing manufacturer is.

d. Note 4A. Can you provide specification/manufacturer information on existing to be removed and reinstalled? The existing handrail and components are not going to be reused. A future Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.

e. Note 5A. Can you provide confirmation that existing wall protection/wall bases are able to be reinstalled? Existing wall protection and wall base are not to be reinstalled. These are to be demoed and disposed of by the contractor. The reinstalled items the note was attempting to refer to is artwork/posters. A future Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.

f. Note 5B. Can you provide confirmation that existing wall coverings/wallpaper are able to be reinstalled? Existing wall protection and wall base are not to be reinstalled. These are to be demoed and disposed of by the contractor. The reinstalled items the note was attempting to refer to is artwork/posters. A future Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.

g. Note 15. Can you provide photos/documentation and manufacturer of existing to be stored? Do you have verification if the VA will provide storage location? VA COR will need to confirm if storage will be provided by the VA.

h. Note 16. What is the existing thickness of the existing terrazzo floor system? Existing terrazzo thickness is not known.

i. Note 17. Can you provide existing photos of construction to be removed, and the specification for the face brick to be repaired? Face brick specification is called out in 04

20 00 Unit Masonry.

j. Note 21. Can you provide specification of the existing system to be removed and the wall construction to be repaired? Existing specification is not known. Existing construction is face brick and concrete water table.

15. Page 002 AD 101, Note 9B. Can you provide details/information on the extent of existing electrical data etc. where the desk is to be removed? The desk is to be removed, stored and reinstalled. Existing electrical and data are floor boxes. Existing floor electrical and data boxes are to remain.

16. Page 005 AD 101.

a. Elevation 2: Can you provide notes/documentation of existing materials to be removed including the transom, stairs-railing including Note 17? The transom above the door is made up of metal frame, glass infill and blocking. The concrete stairs and metal railing are all to be removed.

b. Building 5 Plan: Can you show the location of existing grates to have silt sacks installed?

Upon further review, there is no existing grate within 50’ of demolition work. As such, no silt sack is required here.

17. On page 006 AD 101:

a. Note 14: Can you provide existing photos of construction to be removed and specification for face brick to be repaired? Photos would have needed to have been taken at the pre-bid walkthrough.

b. Can you provide notes/documentation of existing materials to be removed including the transom, stairs-railings including Note 17? The transom above the door is made up of metal frame, glass infill and blocking. The concrete stairs and metal railing are to be removed.

18. Page 010 AD101:

a. Hydronic wall convectors: Can you provide specification and details of existing to be removed/capped and reinstalled. Demolition specifications are included in the contract documents/specifications.

b. Can you provide safe information including unit size and weight? Where is the relocation location? The safe weight is not known. It is assumed to be very heavy. It is to be relocated in the same location.

c. Existing wall unit for removal and relocation. Can you provide specification of existing and if the unit is operational? Unit is operational and is a portable window AC unit that simply plugs into a wall outlet. It is not a wall unit and is not being relocated. It is to be reinstalled in the same location.

19. Page 013 AD 101:

a. East Elevation 03, will the VA provide a burn permit? No, Contractor is responsible to obtain them each day from building 25.

b. North Elevation 0. Can you confirm that column removal is three (3) locations? Correct.

A portion of the column removal is at three (3) existing columns. Provide details and information of existing cast concrete water table for accurate reproduction/replacement.

Existing concrete water table is shown here. It is painted and new patching and painting simply needs to match the texture and color that is already in place.

20. Page 014 AD101: Plan general note. Can you show the location of existing grates to have silt stacks installed? Upon further review there are no existing storm grates within 50’ of this demolition and new construction so no silt stacks are required.

21. Page 082 AD101:

a. Demolition Plan 01: Plan general note. Can you show the location of existing grates to have silt stacks installed, and on Note 21, provide photos of the existing area of demolition? Upon further review there are no existing storm gates within 50’ of this demolition and new construction so no silt stacks are required. Existing photos would have needed to be taken upon the pre-bid walkthrough.

b. Demolition Roof Plan 02: Can you provide existing details of tension rods to be removed at existing building wall intersection and provide information on the extent of demolition and existing methods of attachments. Existing details are not available for existing tension rods. Entire existing roof and support system including tension rods and bracket support shall be demoed.

c. Demolition Elevation 03: Does the existing downspout tie into underground piping or does the downspout shed on the grade? Existing downspout sheds onto grade.

22. Page 002 AE100: HR: Can you provide the specification of the handrailing? HR = HR-1 in the interior finish key on AF100. Refer to 10 26 00 Wall and Door Protection for HR-1

Specification. Refer to 05 50 00 Metal Fabrications for metal handrail specifications and requirements.

23. Page 002 AE101: First floor reception 02: Can you provide specification/details of RES-1 including vertical support post for both locations. RES-1 specification is included in 06 06 60

Schedule for Plastic Fabrications. The support brackets basis of design is 3Form ILTUO Floor to

Ceiling divider panels and are a complete complimentary system to the Varia line.

24. Page 013AE101: Building Elevation 04: Can you provide metal decorative panel specification including anchorage posts? The sheet calls out the physical properties and to be used in conjunction with the 05 50 00 Metal Fabrications specification selection.

25. Page 014AE101: Roof Plan 04: Roof as drawn shows SS roofing with vertical seams running in the wrong direction. Can you verify that roofing runs the same direction as the roof slope? The

‘hatch pattern’ is running the wrong direction as noted. The standing seams run in the same direction as the arrows show the direction of the slope.

26. Page AE320:

a. Section 1: Is the new concrete landing to have haunch at the existing foundation wall?

No haunch is needed here.

b. Section 2: Can the new foundation wall be continuous trench footer vs. formed foundation wall? Formed foundation wall to be as drawn with a formed foundation wall/footing. Deviating will conflict with the sidewalk.

c. Section 3: Can you clarify as the wall is called out to be existing concrete foundation but is shown as new concrete construction? The wall shown is a new wall. A future

Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.

d. New galvanized steel column shows hook anchor bolt, but per note is called out as existing concrete foundation wall. Can you provide if this is correct, or anchor bolt is expansion type for retro fit? The wall shown is a new wall. A future Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.

e.

f. B6-Wall Section 2, can new foundation wall be a trench footer same width as the foundation? Formed foundation wall to be as drawn with a formed foundation wall/footing. Deviating will conflict with the sidewalk.

g. B6-Wall Section 3, can new foundation wall be a trench footer same width as the foundation? Formed foundation wall to be as drawn with a formed foundation wall/footing. Deviating will conflict with the sidewalk.

27. Page AE321

a. B13-Wall Section 2 & Wall Section 3: Is flashing to be cut into existing wall construction? The flashing here is at a new column location.

b. B14-Wall Section 1 & Wall Section 2 & Wall Section 3: Are there to be weeps between panels? Weeps should be installed at base and intersection of concrete foundation and cast stone panels.

28. Page AE 340. Building 002/Reception 1195/Detail 06 & Specification 10 14 00/2.3 Interior Sign

Types: Can you provide VA Signage Design Guide as referenced? VA Signage Design Guide is an attachment (RFI Attachment) to this response.

29. Page AE342

a. Linear Fleece Ceiling System – Provide complete specification. Typical all details.

Acoustical linear fleece is an option that Armstrong provides with the Woodworks Grille

Ceiling system.

b. Linear Fleece Ceiling System/Lighting sheet 002 E101. Can you provide large details showing ceiling and lighting mounting details? Lighting is not located within the linear ceiling but rather in a gypsum board bulkhead.

30. Page AE 600: Can you provide clarification of hardware required? : “Doors 82-000 and 82-001 to be connected together such that when one door opens, and the other door opens. Refer to electrical and door hardware.” Hardware set 63 and 64 will be issued with a future Addendum that clarifies this operation.

31. Page AE601: Verify glazing types and what are tempered glass components. The glazing types are called out in the 08 80 00 Glazing Section 3.7 and 3.8. All glass is to be tempered. A future

Addendum will however clarify on the drawings where each glass is to be installed.

32. Page 002AC100: Linear Fleece Ceiling System – Can you provide complete specification and details, along with providing exposed wood species and finish (typical for all locations)?

Acoustical linear fleece is an option that Armstrong provides with the Woodworks Grille Ceiling system. Exposed wood species is to be walnut with a factory applied finish.

33. Page A1421:

a. Building 002-Waiting 1165: Resin panels are called out. Please provide more information/specification for associated brackets – support posts. The brackets basis of design is 3Form ILTUO Floor to ceiling divider panels that are a complete complimentary system to the Varia line.

b. Provide size of support post. Support posts are 3 ½” x 1”.

c. Provide method of anchorage of support post. Support posts get anchored by a base plate kit that is fastened into the concrete floor.

d. Building 002 – Waiting 1165: Provide powder coat aluminum color. Bronze.

34. When does the VA anticipate awarding the project? Currently the Bid opening has been changed from July 22, 2021 at 1pm to Wednesday, July 28 at 1:30pm. As soon as possible with a goal of

September 30.

35. Could an additional site visit be available to those who are unable to attend the first visit? No

36. Will the VA be providing a dumpster for this project? No, VA dumpsters are not for contractor use.

37. Will ICRA barriers, walk off mats be needed on the interstitial floors, or Hospital floors? Yes.

Can a ICRA plan be provided, showing ICRA barriers locations/quantity for bidding purposes?

Depends on contractor’s progress.

38. Will negative air need to be provided/metered? Check specifications

39. Shall demolition and vibration work need to be done after hours/off hour? Yes.

40. Do temporary plastic barriers need to be fire retardant? Check specifications

41. Will workers need to gown up? No. Is so, who is providing gowns, shoes, head covers? NA.

Will this be a requirement for after hour work as well? NA.

42. Will the structural steel require an engineer’s stamp? Yes, structural steel requires an engineer's stamp

43. Shall Tuberculosis, Influenza and COVID screening /testing be required for this project? No.

44. Can the General Contractors’ Site Superintendent also serve as Safety and Health Manager and

CQC System Manager, concurrently? If so, please confirm which combination is acceptable.

Spec 01 35 26 1.7, 01 45 00 3.4. The Safety and Health Manager shall satisfy the requirements of Specification 01 35 26 Safety Requirements and reports directly to a senior project (or corporate) official independent from the CQC System Manager. Therefore, CQC system manager must be independent from Safety and Health Manager. Site Superintendent (OSHA 30) can be either Safety and Health Manager or CQC System Manager (Graduate Degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management and Construction Quality Management (CQM) for Construction course) given they have the required prerequisites.

45. Specification Section 01 33 23 Is the GC required to provide a Submittal Exchange Service or just a pdf or excel file of the updated Submittal Register? Yes, we require a Submittal Exchange Service.

46. Is an asbestos survey available for this project? General note 14 on page 002.AD100 states the contractor is to refer to the asbestos survey, however one was not provided in the original solicitation. It is in Appendix A - VA Medical Center Battle Creek Provided Asbestos Survey in the spec that should have been attached.

47. Who is the designated/preferred/and existing Fire Alarm vendor at the VAMC in Battle Creek?

SimplexGrinnell

48. Is the structural steel required to meet AISC Certification? Yes, per 05 12 00 Structural Steel Framing the fabricator and installer both need AISC Certification.

49. Can the exterior work be completed during normal operating hours? Yes

50. Can the VA provide a designated ICRA/Temporary Barrier plan for the abatement work that is to be completed? That is part of the abatement plan which will be completed by the contractor.

51. Will existing pendent sprinkler heads need to be removed and upright heads need to be installed after ceilings are removed? No

52. What sprinkler heads are to be installed in new ceilings? Semi-recessed or concealed? NFPA requires new sprinklers in be installed if removed. NA

53. Will sprinkler heads need to be added at the new canopy entrances? NA

54. The specifications include plumbing work to be completed, however there were no mechanical drawings issued. Does the VA anticipate issuing out additional drawings? No mechanical drawings will be issued, the installation of equipment requiring plumbing connections are covered in the architectural drawings (refer to keynote #4).

a. Door type E is not currently provided in the schedule? Please advise. The door type 'E' referenced on door 82-000 is a mistype and should be door type 'D'. A future Addendum to expound on the answer will be posted in SAMS at a later date.