657A5-21-401 Marion Energy Center Bid RFIs List with Answers.pdf

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

RFI # DESCRIPTION GENERAL RESPONSE

001 Change the past performance requirement from one project at 10 mil and two project at 6 mil.

The past performance will be changed from "3 to 5 projects that exceed $15 million" to "no less than 2 and no more than 5 example projects valued at $10 million or more" per changes made to factor 1.

002 The drawings/specs reference a Terracon Geotechnical Report but It is not attached. Can you please provide that report as soon as possible to give adequate time for site & civil contractors to bid appropriately?

Terracon Geotechnical Report was provided in Amendment 3 to the solicitation.

003 We are reaching out to inquire whether a current plan holder list, interested bidders list, or list of General Contractors intending to bid this project is available for distribution.

Yes, the list of attendees to the pre-solicitation/site visit has been published in SAM.gov. See amendment 3 to the solicitation.

004 Section 03 45 00 references the requirement to match a "design reference sample" for architectural precast concrete finishes, color, texture, and aggregate gradation.

Specifically:

Section 1.6(F) requires design reference samples representative of finishes, color, and textures. Section 2.3(C)(1)(a) states that face-mix aggregate gradation shall "match design reference sample." Section 3.7 requires exposed face surfaces to match approved design reference sample panels and mockups.

To ensure accurate pricing, material procurement, and fabrication of the architectural precast panels, please provide:

-A photograph or digital image of the intended architectural precast appearance.

-Identification of the required finish type (as-cast, exposed aggregate, abrasive blast, acid-etched, sandblast, polished, etc.).

-Aggregate color, size, gradation, and source requirements, if applicable.

-Cement color requirements (gray or white cement).

-Any applicable PCI Color & Texture Selection Guide plate number.

The specification appears to have been adapted from a master specification and never finalized with a selected architectural finish. The spec lists numerous possible finishes.

Please confirm finishes required and where they are located on the panels within the contract drawings.

Finish of precast architectural concrete panels to be 'As-Cast Surface Finish' (03 45 00 Section 3.7.A.2). See Addendum 01. Addendum 1 is still in process and will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

005 Upon review of the contract drawings, it appears that Detail 2 on Sheet AE310 and Detail 2 on Sheet AE401 provide conflicting information.

Please review these details and provide clarification on which detail is to govern for construction. If neither detail is intended to supersede the other, please provide additional direction to resolve the discrepancy and confirm the required condition.

See Addendum 01. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

006 The contract documents (AE202 detail 2) currently indicate a precast insulated wall panel configuration of 7.5" interior wythe / 3" insulation / 4" exterior wythe.

Midwest Precast requests consideration of revising the wall panel configuration to 4" interior wythe / 3" insulation / 6" exterior wythe. With the current configuration, the 2-inch recess leaves only a 2-inch wythe, which is insufficient to maintain the required concrete cover over the reinforcement. As a result, this becomes a structural issue that must be addressed.

Overall panel depths to remain as-is. Shift insulation towards the interior in order to maintain minimum required thickness of recessed wythe. For example, 6.5" interior wythe / 3" insulation / 5" exterior wythe.

Drawings will be updated to reflect in Addendum 01. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

007 The wage rates included in the solicitation are for statewide Heavy and for dredging and marine construction projects. Will the VA amend the solicitation to attach the current Building construction-type wage determinations for the building trades related to the project scope (carpenter, ironworker, pipefitter, electrician, laborer, etc.)?

The wage determination will be amended to building construction general decision number IL20260002 dated 05-18-2026.

008 The SOW limits work to 7:00 am–4:30 pm M-F; GI004 requires parking work “ON NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS”; C300 requires site work in “NON-CORE OPERATION HOURS AS DETERMINED BY THE OWNER”; the asbestos section states 8:00–4:30. Please clarify if outside work must be completed on nights and weekends or if that constraint can be eliminated. Please define “non-core operation hours,” confirm which scopes must be performed off-hours, confirm premium time is to be carried in the base bid, and confirm weekend/holiday work is permitted for those scopes.

The engineering office is open from Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The drawings and specification state which activities are to be completed on nights and weekends. Holidays could be used for activities that require night and weekend work, but all off hour work will need to be schedule with the COR.

009 Specification requires 21 days’ notice for utility outage while drawings require 14 days.

Please confirm the governing notice period for utility interruptions and phase transitions, state the VA’s maximum time to approve or reschedule an interruption request, and confirm that VA-directed rescheduling of an approved interruption entitles the Contractor to a time extension.

14 Day notice for utility outage. ; See Addendum 1. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

010 GI004 Note 5 says chiller downtime due to the new connection “must be minimized” but no duration is defined, while Spec 01 00 00 requires utility services be maintained “at all times.” Drawing MP501 for Chilled Water System P&ID – New Work shows a new temporary chiller connection but the project documents do not seem to indicate any existing temporary chiller tie in points.

If the existing distribution does not have existing temporary chiller tie in points making the new chiller and/or new temporary chiller tie in points, included in the new work, will require a system shutdown to complete.

If there are not any existing temporary chiller tie in points, what outage duration will the VA accept on the campus CHW loop for the new system connections, when should this outage be scheduled for (overnight, weekend), if it has to be scheduled for the non-cooling season and, please specify what months the VA would find acceptable for this required shutdown.

If there are existing temporary chiller tie in points please provide tie in point details and clarify if the VA expects offerors to carry a rental chiller plant in the base bid?

The temporary chiller connections in the new plant are for future emergency use and there is no requirement for the Contractor to provide a temporary chiller during the construtcion process. A complete system outage is required and will be permitted to complete the tie-in for the new distribution piping. The outage will be limited to 3 days and must be completed between November 1 and March 1. The exact timing of the outage will be weather dependent and will have to be coordinated with the COR. Additional isolation valves have been added through Addendum 1 to facilitate the phasing of this work. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

011 C500/C501 show the 12" CHWS/R connecting to the existing mains with cut-in tees and no isolation valves at the point of connection. Are there existing sectionalizing valves near the POC in the parking lot, or does the tie-in require draining the campus loop?

At the site walk it was brought up by one of the attendees that there was a photograph of the underground chilled water piping near the proposed new plant interconnection that showed the site excavated and the existing piping conditions. Please provide this photograph or provide additional details on the underground piping materials and isolation valving locations so contractor can properly plan for the new plant connection to the existing chilled water distribution system.

Please indicate the type, class, quantity, and locations of buried isolation valves on the 12" CHWS/R (building/pit exit and at the new tees) and whether valve boxes with extension stems or a vault is intended; add please provide details on the required approach.

Isolation valves have been added through Addedum 1. New valves are located on the new pipe from the new plant, as well as the feed from the old plant. The distribution system will have to be partially drained to complete this tie-in. The existing distribution piping is ductile iron.

012 Please define the connection method for the existing 12" mains: (a) will VA permit a loop shutdown and drain — duration and season; (b) if not, are line stops/valve insertions required and are they Contractor scope; (c) are isolation valves to be installed on the existing mains at the new tees, and of what type given the buried butterfly prohibition; (d) please add the tie-in and load-transfer steps to the GI004 phasing sequence.

Isolation valves have been added through Addendum 1. New valves are located on the new feed from the new plant, as well as the exisitng feed from the existing plant. The distribution system will have to be partially drained to complete this tie-in. A complete system outage is required and will be permitted to complete the tie-in for the new distribution piping. The outage will be limited to 3 days and must be completed between November 1 and March 1. The exact timing of the outage will be weather dependent and will have to be coordinated with the COR. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

013 Please provide existing loop volume, main sizes/materials/age/condition;

state whether the Contractor drains, flushes, cleans, and re-inhibits the existing loop after tie-in or only the new plant piping;

who is responsible for the cost of makeup water, chemical charge, and discharge;

whether the loop is water or glycol; and whether the 5.9 fps flushing velocity applies to existing mains.

If existing system contains Glycol, please clarify what type and if we are able to dispose on site or need to haul off.

Existing loop volume is estimated to be 20,000 gallons and there are isolation valves in place so the individual buildings will not need to be drained. The main lines are 12" ductile iron at the connection point of the new distribution piping. The existing distribution is approximately 28 years old and believed to still be in good condition. The Contractor will be responsible for flushing and cleaning only the new piping, water will be provided by the VA. Initial chemical charge shall be provided by the Contractor. There is no glycol in the system.

014 The scheduled chillers max kW/ton is shown at 0.63 and the IPLV is shown at 0.65. Please clarify. Also, both values are higher than the minimums required by FEMP/90.1 for a 500-ton water cooled centrifugal chiller. Please confirm the values provided are correct.

The efficiency values given in the equipment schedule will be updated. The basis of design chiller has a Full Load Efficiency of .6085 kW/ton and part load Efficiency of .3708 kW/ton

015 Please confirm the chiller 76 dB(A) acoustic limit provided in Specs section 23 64 00, 2.1.E is correct given the chiller will be in a plant isolated from the medical centers. This can be achieved with a factory acoustic packages but, given the plant’s location, standard chiller noise levels would seem acceptable. Please confirm is this 76 dB(A) acoustic limit applies and, if so, that the contractor is responsible for the costs associated with selecting a chiller package that achieves it.

Standard chiller noise levels will be acceptable. A factory provided acoustive package is not required.

016 Two of the specified constant-speed pumps operating will result in ~ 3,300 gpm operating across three cooling tower cells (~1,100 gpm/cell vs. 1,500 scheduled), please confirm the minimum per-cell flow for the BOD tower and whether CT-3 is a true standby;

if three cells are to operate, confirm whether balancing/modulating valves or pump VFDs are required. Also, these pumps are relatively high HP and we recommend they be specified with VFD control.

Does the VA want to revise the current design to include VFD controls of these motors/pumps.

The third tower is meant to be standby.

017 Initial analysis of the flow data provided may indicate that the existing fire service will need to be modified to meet flow requirements. However, the design documents do not show a new fire pump or system upsizing. Is the contractor to bid the documents without a fire pump? If so, and the post-award flow test determines modifications need to be made, will this be a Government change?

Heapy's preliminary flow calculations determined a hydraulic demand of approximately 300 GPM at 45 PSI at the base of the riser. The system would be supported by the results of the hydrant flow test without a fire pump. Any upsizing required would be the responsibility of the contractor as required by Sheet Note D on FX101 and FX102. Verify sprinkler pipe sizes needed within the first 30 days following receipt of notice to proceed.

018 Please confirm which equipment requires Special Seismic Certification per ASCE 7 §13.2.2 (chillers, towers, pumps, VFDs, panels, tanks) and if contractor is responsible for any delegated design requiring PE stamp.

Contractor is responsible for providing seismic certification for equipment or providing delegated design if certification is not available.

019 Current lead time for 500-ton centrifugal chillers and MV gear run are long. Will the Government accept early release of long-lead procurement submittals?

The contractor may submit submittals as early as necessary to meet their project schedule, taking into account the return time for submittal approval and the lead time required for equipment procurement.

020 The following are cited but not included: 00 72 00 General Conditions; 11 12 00 Parking Control Equipment (cited on civil sheets for loop detectors; Division 11 is empty);

“Insulated-Composite Backup Panels” (cited in 07 42 13.02); 31 62 00 Driven Piles and 31 63 16 Auger Cast Grout Piles (cited in 31 20 00); 27 15 33i (in TOC, not in manual). Please issue these sections or confirm they are not part of the contract (and that drilled piers per 31 63 26 are the sole deep foundation system).

Loop detectors are included in specifictaion 34 75 13.13. All other spec sections are not RMF

021 The project documents require the Contractor to retain a testing laboratory (01 45 29), an independent SIOR plus Special Inspectors (01 45 35), and a geotechnical engineer for continuous drilled-pier observation (S001), while the Government performs structural observations. May one accredited firm serve all contractor-side roles?

Which matrix items are Continuous vs. Periodic, and what durations should be assumed for piers, steel/welding, precast erection, and masonry?

The GC is responsible to engage qualified testing companies for all items in the spec. Matrix items will be updated in the Div 01 spec.

022 The only quantified ACM is ~2,300 SF of assumed (unsampled) roofing on a total demolition of a legacy chiller plant, with “Abatement Contractor shall satisfy themselves” / “nothing may be interpreted as limiting the extent” language. Please issue the April 2026 Terracon survey (sample locations, results, quantities); state whether pipe/vessel insulation, mastics, tile, transite, and flashings were sampled; and confirm RACM discovered during demolition beyond the survey will be treated as a differing site condition under FAR 52.236-2 rather than at Contractor risk.

Terracon Geotechnical Report was provided in Amendment 3 to the solicitation.

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

023 The specifications contain no lead-paint, PCB, mercury, or universal-waste sections for B49 demolition. Please confirm survey status and responsibility for: PCB status and dielectric disposal of the 1500 kVA transformer and oil switches; lamps/ballasts/mercury devices;

lead-based paint in demolition. Also provide refrigerant type and charge for each existing chiller and confirm EPA §608 recovery/transport/disposal responsibility and whether the Government retains reclaimed refrigerant.

Paint was sampled during design and lead was not detected. A visual inspection for mold was conducted -mold was not found.

If any suspected hazardous materials are found through the course of demolition or construction, the GC is to report it to the VA who will determine how it should be treated.

024 Please identify: (a) the upstream point of isolation for the B49 medium-voltage feeder and whether VA or Contractor de-energizes, tests, grounds, and terminates; (b) whether the manhole/duct bank noted for removal serves other campus loads.

(a) Refer to Drawings E002, ES100 & ES101. The upstream point of isolation for the B49 medium voltage feeder is 002 Primary Gear B. Via 002 Primary Gear B. VA de-energization of circuit. Contactor is responsible for all test, grounds, and terminations.

(b) There is no demolition of manholes on Division 26 plan just demolition of B49 transformer and feeders back to MH-10. The MV feeder extends from MH-10 and feeds the Modular Building 7 transformer. See Addendum 1. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

025 Please reconcile the bid basis (18 ft vs. 40 ft per pier), revise SB701 to show design length, tip elevation, and rock socket per pier type, provide anticipated top-of-rock from the borings, and state the number and type of caisson load tests required (31 63 26 1.4.A presumes tests “indicated in the Contract Documents” — none are indicated).

Follow 18' as average pier length as stated in general notes. Rock socket depth is shown on SB701. The installed length and tip elevation will need to be verified in the field. Top-of-rock from the borings can be found in the Geotech Report in the appendix of the Project Manual. Ref Addendum 1. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

026 The specifications (31 20 00 1.4/1.5 and 31 63 26 1.4) contemplate measured unit-price payment for rock, undercut, borrow, and caisson length by excavation class, but the solicitation schedule is lump-sum with no quantities. Will the VA add a unit-price schedule with estimated quantities? If lump sum, please state baseline rock and undercut quantities all bidders are to carry.

No unit price is expected for rock, undercut, and borrow and no quantities will be provided.

027 Please define LVC fill (gradation, PI limits) and whether lime/cement-modified in-situ subgrade is acceptable in lieu of imported granular; confirm whether the 12" layer applies beneath all new pavement and sidewalk and beneath pavement-replacement areas.

LVC Fill - See geotechnical report which defines LVC material requirements. Lime/cement modified in-sutu subgrade is NOT acceptable in lieu of imported granular fill. Confirmed the 12" LVC layer applied to all new pavement and walks as well as beneath ful depth pavement replacements.

028 No groundwater elevation appears in the bid set. Please provide observed/design groundwater from the borings, anticipated dewatering method for the pit and pier excavations, the permitted discharge point and any IEPA/county permit and treatment requirements, and excavation support requirements adjacent to the existing CHW mains and B49.

The Geotechnical report borings did not indicate detection of ground water but only reached depths of approximately 23.5’ below grade. If construction piles are drilled to ~40’ (as indicated on SB101) and water is detected, will the government provide a change for the required dewatering?

Anticipated average pier depth is 18' per the general notes. Ref Addendum 1. Per the Geotechnical report no ground water was detected and no dewatering is required. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

029 Please confirm restoration is limited to topsoil, seed, and mulch within the hatched areas, with no trees, shrubs, sod, or irrigation; if plantings are intended, issue a planting plan and schedule. Confirm the turf establishment/maintenance period and whether the 95% stand-of-turf guarantee applies.

Final restoration is limited to topsoil, seed, and mulch. Warranty period is two-years from govt.

acceptance of area(s) returned to owner control.

030 Spec section 02 21 13 requires a full ALTA/NSPS boundary and title survey with monumentation and records research, duplicating the existing-conditions sheets. Please confirm whether a full ALTA survey is required or whether the obligation is limited to construction layout and as-built verification within the limits of work.

No. The specification requires a boundary, topographic, and utility survey; however, those surveys must be prepared using ALTA/NSPS minimum detail requirements and include many ALTA-type mapping elements.

A formal ALTA Land Title Survey is not required.

031 GI003 requires all facade components including doors to comply with PSRDM blast criteria, but no blast requirements appear for coiling/overhead doors, metal wall panels, structural steel, or masonry — and 03 45 00 expressly excludes overhead doors from the panel tributary design. Please state the blast requirements (pressure/impulse/response limits) for each of these components, the design basis (or confirm the tabulated loads are complete), and identify blast-rated openings on the elevations/schedules.

Blast requirements are provided in the Contract Document Specifications. For exterior precast panels, refer to Section 0.4.C.1.f in 03 45 00. For exterior doors, refer to Section 2.1.A.6 in 08 11 13. For exterior louvers, refer to Section 2.2.B.3 in 08 90 00. Any manufacturer capable of meeting the specified blast performance requirements through engineering analysis or testing will be acceptable.

Blast design considerations for roof hatch and overhead doors have been implemented into the design drawings by the Blast EOR and do not require the contractor to demonstrate compliance with blast requirements.

Only the façade components with specified blast criteria will require analysis, calculations, or test results to be submitted by a qualified blast engineer. For example, refer to Performance Requirements in Section 1.4.A.3 of 03 45 00 for applicable pressure and impulse pairs as well as response criteria for exterior precast panels. Also, refer to Section 1.4.A.3.a.3 for tributary area considerations for all applicable building openings.

032 Please list acceptable comparable manufacturers to the CENTRIA basis of design (or confirm sole source), issue the referenced backup-panel section, and confirm the extent/locations of metal panels relative to the precast envelope.

The Contract Documents establish a Basis of Design. Comparable manufacturers are permitted provided they meet the performance and aesthetic criteria outlined in Specification Section 07 42 13. The Contractor may submit unlisted manufacturers via a formal submittal during the Bidding/Submittal phases for Architectural review.

033 Please confirm which section governs the insulated precast wall panels used as the seismic force-resisting system, the required PCI plant/erector certification categories for load-bearing shear panels, the exterior finish/texture/reveal/color, and the extent of delegated design (including blast) assigned to the fabricator.

The precaster will be required to design all exterior panels for blast loads where specified.

034 Please confirm the building housing the existing generator and switchboard GDP and provide intended routing and approximate lengths for the emergency feeders to the new plant electrical rooms.

Refer to drawings ES100 & ES102.

035 For each MV tie-in, please identify the buildings de-energized, maximum outage duration, permitted days/hours, and whether the Government or Contractor provides temporary generation for affected buildings during the work.

Existing Chiller Plant B49 and Modular Buildings 1 & 7 will be de-energized for medium voltage tie-in. De-energized work to be done after hours and on weekends. Temportary generation is not aticapted for affected building utilized existing campus generator as required. For duration of outage refer to phasing of MV cutover plan addendum #1. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

036 Please confirm the Government warrants the 2024 load data, and state whether the Contractor must field-verify loading, perform a step-load/sequencing study with six new ATSs added, and perform an NFPA 110 load-bank test of the combined system — and who provides the outage and load bank.

The 2024 load data can be provided to the successful bidder. The Contractor shall field verify loading, No step-load/sequencing study is required. No NFPA 110 laod bank test is required from the Contractor, the VA will perform their annual load bank testing. VA will provide outage.

037 Please provide the GDP switchboard model/vintage and confirm availability of matching breakers/bus hardware; state the allowable outage duration/window for the GDP bus and whether temporary generation is required for emergency/equipment branch loads during the outage.

Refer to Drawings E003 and E004. The GDP is a Square D QED switchboard. Anticipate an 8-hour shutdown window for the GDP bus. Provide a temporary generator to serve emergency loads during the outage in the event of a loss of utility power.

038 Please confirm whether the B49 transformer is loop-fed such that removal interrupts MV continuity to other buildings; if so provide the loop-through splice/re-route scope; identify who de-energizes, tests, and grounds the primary; and quantify the 15 kV feeder and concrete duct bank to be removed.

Refer to Drawings E003, ES100, and ES101. The B49 medium-voltage transformer is not loop-fed; it is an end-of-line primary-selective-pair transformer. Removal of the B49 transformer is not anticipated to interrupt medium-voltage service or continuity to other buildings.

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

039 Will the Government furnish Ameren fault data, existing 002 Primary Gear relay settings, GDP and generator data? Is the Contractor responsible for re-setting existing upstream devices and re-labeling existing gear? Does 01 91 00 require an independent NETA testing agency for MV gear, cable, grounding, lightning protection, structured cabling, and security systems?

Refer to Division 26 Specification Section 26 05 73 for testing requirements. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all required testing data and documentation. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all required modifications and relabeling of existing electrical equipment resulting from the Work. Refer to the specifications for complete testing requirements and procedures.

040 Please confirm fiber type and count for each OSP backbone path between the Building 37 MDF and TR-102 — single-mode OS2 per spec or OM4 per drawings — and the quantity per path (one or two 24-strand cables).

Reference Sheet TS100 detail 5, SITE FIBER RISER DIAGRAM, dated 05/07/2026 with seal dated 5/6/2026.

041 Has the VA verified spare duct/innerduct capacity in Pathway A and MH 49-1 (proof of clear duct or records)? Please provide approximate lengths of Pathways B and C and confirm whether rodding/proofing or duct rehabilitation of the existing pathway is Contractor scope.

The Contractor is responsible for reviewing the Contract Documents in their entirety and determining the required quantities and cable lengths necessary to complete the Work. Such quantities and lengths are to be included in the Contractor's bid estimate based on the ontract Documents.

The Architect/Engineer is not responsible for providing cable length takeoffs or quantities for the Contractor's bid. The Contractor shall perform its own quantity of takeoff and coordinate the Contract Documents, including drawings and specifications, as necessary to establish the required cable quantities and lengths.

No additional information or takeoff by the Architect/Engineer is required in response to this RFI.

042 Please confirm the Div 28 scope is limited to field devices, panels, cabling, and integration into the VA’s existing head-end (servers/software/licenses Government-furnished), and identify the existing PACS and VMS manufacturers/versions so compatible panels, readers, and camera licenses can be quoted. Please also issue a consolidated GFE/OFOI/OFCI list for Divisions 27/28.

Scope is for a complete and fully functional physical access control system. Servers/software/licenses are furnished for the added devices under this contract Bid documents as provided. VA to confirm that the SiPASS physical access control and the surveillance is SiVeillance platforms still in use by the VA.

043 Please identify the existing Siemens panel model and network type, the correct head-end room, and whether the campus system is addressable; define required Siemens network/fiber interface modules and head-end programming at both ends; and provide the routing/length of the fire alarm fiber (does it share the Div 27 duct bank and MH 37-3, and is interior pathway in Bldg 38 included?).

Siemens panel model is Siemens XLS, and network type is Desigo Modular network type X-Net. The head-end room is located in Building 38, Room 4. Existing addressable Siemens campus system. Yes contractor shall provide Tie-in, programming, and graphics updates performed by a Siemens-licensed distributor at both ends. Refer to Drawing ES102 for the indicated routing, length, and location. The communications pathway shares the Division 27 duct bank and Manhole MH37-3. The interior pathway within Building 38 is included in the project scope.

044 For the occupied modular buildings, please provide allowable outage duration for each, and whether temporary generator power during cutover is Contractor scope.

The modular builidng is Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. As stated in the drawing and specificatoin, all shutdowns shall be coordinated with the COR. A generator is not in the scope for this outage.

045 Please provide the pole specification for types PL1–PL4 (material, gauge, height, EPA/wind rating, finish, anchor bolts) and the finish standard given the existing solar poles are removed; confirm length/capacity/condition of the existing 480 V circuit to be extended and who verifies it.

Refer to Specification Section 26 56 00 – Exterior Lighting for pole specifications. Refer to Drawing ES102 for information on the existing 480V site lighting circuit. Contractor to verify in field.

046 Solicitation states August 27 as proposal due date and sam.gov states August 31. Please clrify current due date.

Amendment 4 to solicitation will extend the proposal due date to September 2, 2026.

047 Please verify if Marion County Water Utility is providing water meters for domestic and fire suppression or if contractor is to provide and install.

The contractor will have to install and provide the meter(s). The contractor will have to work with the Marion Water Department to ensure the meter(s) will work with their system.

048 The current solicitation volume 1, factor 3, sub paragraph e. requires the system to be operational for 3 years to be used as a reference. The previous paragraph d requires the work to have been performed no more than 6 years prior. This combination creates a 3 year window, which is very limiting. This window also coincides with the COVID pandemic which limits available project examples. Would the VA consider adjusting these durations to increase the window to a more appropriate time period?

The factor 3 paragraph e will be amended to state 1 year of service.

049 Will the VA consider extending the proposal due date to allow adequate time for pricing and preparation of the technical proposal? We recommend September 11th.

will be extended to September 2, 2026.

050 The wage determination incorporated (General Decision IL20260018, Construction Type:

HEAVY) contains only Dredging and Marine Construction classifications (tug operators, deckhands, floating-equipment mechanics, etc.). It contains none of the BUILDING trades this project requires (electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet-metal, ironworkers, operating engineers, laborers, cement masons). Please confirm the applicable wage determination and issue the correct BUILDING (and, if applicable, Heavy/Highway for sitework) determination for Williamson County, IL by amendment.

see answer in RFI #7.

051 §1.11 states subsurface work was performed by Terracon and that 'a copy of the soil report will be made available for inspection by bidders upon request'; only diagrammatic boring logs appear on the drawings. Request the complete Terracon geotechnical report (boring logs, lab data, foundation recommendations, groundwater, rock elevations) be issued to all offerors as a bid document by amendment, so deep-foundation and earthwork pricing is on a common basis.

Terracon Geotechnical Report was provided in Amendment 3 to the solicitation

052 The earthwork section references FOUR foundation systems — Driven Piles (31 62 00), Auger Cast Grout Piles (31 63 16), Drilled Caissons (31 63 26) and Flowable Fill. Please confirm which foundation system is the basis of design for the new chiller plant and identify the specific structural sheets/details, so all bidders carry the same system and quantities.

Drilled caissons are the only foundation system. See structural drawings for more information.

053 The mechanical Chiller Schedule shows THREE active 500-ton York YK chillers (CH-1, CH-2, CH-3) and three each of condenser-water pumps, primary/secondary CHW pumps, cooling-tower cells and basin heaters. The electrical Motor/Equipment Schedule lists CH-3, CDWP- 2, PCHWP-2, SCHWP-2, CT-2 and BH-2 at 0 kVA / 0 FLA. Confirm: (a) is all three-chiller/three-pump equipment furnished AND electrically connected under this contract; or

(b) are the '0 kVA' units future/standby not powered in this scope? Provide corrected schedules.

All three chillers, towers, and pumps will be installed. 2 of each will operate at full load with 1 standby. (a) All three chillers and three associated pumps/towers are furnished and electrically connected under this contract.

(b) All units shown on the equipment schedule are in scope. The unit called out are standby units. Refer to Addendum 01 for the updated equipment schedule. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

054 The SOW requires the existing plant (B49) to stay fully operational until the new plant is operational, and notes 'chiller downtime due to new connection must be minimized.' Clarify: (a) is TEMPORARY chilled water (rental chillers/pumps) required to maintain campus cooling during the loop tie-in and cutover, and if so is it contractor-furnished; (b) what is the maximum allowable cooling outage duration; (c) are there seasonal restrictions (e.g., no summer outage)?

There is no requirement for the Contractor to provide a temporary chiller during the construtcion process.

A complete system outage is required and will be permitted to complete the tie-in for the new distribution piping. The outage will be limited to 3 days and must be completed between November 1 and March 1.

The exact timing of the outage will be weather dependent and will have to be coordinated with the COR.

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

055 Drawings show new 480V feeders, ATS and 'generator control wiring,' a new 15kV feeder to unit substation US-49, and reference the existing campus '47' generator (Caterpillar 2450 kW). Confirm the source of essential/standby power for the new chiller plant: is a NEW generator provided under this contract, or is the plant fed from the existing campus generator? If existing, confirm available capacity after demolition and identify the tie-in point.

Refer to drawings and spefications.

056 Multiple electrical and civil notes state feeder/duct-bank runs are 'shown for reference only,' direct the contractor to 'survey for locations of existing systems prior to digging,' and to 'field verify.' Please provide available record drawings / GIS of existing underground utilities (electrical duct banks, chilled water, domestic water, storm, telecom) in the work area, and confirm that unknown/mislocated utilities are handled under FAR 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions.

Utility is provided in contract documents as for reference only. The utility information was obtained through record documents provided by the VA and was unable to be located during the survey that was performed during design. The general location is being provided for risk mitigation/contractor’s awareness, but they will be required to attempt to locate it through non-destructive methods (hydro vac) prior to digging with an excavator.

057 The asbestos section notes a current inspection 'may be used' if adequate and that intrusive survey may be needed once B49 is unoccupied. Request the existing asbestos/lead/PCB/mercury survey report(s) for Building 49 (the plant to be demolished) be issued to bidders, with estimated ACM/LBP quantities. If none exists, confirm how abatement is to be priced (allowance, unit price, or by amendment).

see RFI #22.

058 The SF 1442 states a 720-day period of performance but no liquidated-damages rate is stated in the documents reviewed. Confirm: (a) the daily liquidated-damages amount; (b) whether LDs apply to interim phase milestones (e.g., new plant operational before Phase 2 demo) or only to final completion; (c) any mandated interim completion dates for Phases 1, 1A, 1B and 2.

A liquidated damages clause has not been included or utilized in this solicitation. Liquidated damages is used if more than one completion date is specified. There is only one designated completion date for this project.

059 The chiller schedule specifies refrigerant R-513A, while 23 64 00 §2.1.F says chillers may be 'open or hermetically sealed, using refrigerant type R-513A … Submit proposed refrigerant for government approval.' Confirm R-513A is the required refrigerant of record (basis for compressor/heat-exchanger selection) and that no alternate is expected.

R-513A is the refrigerant used in the BOD chiller. If a different chiller is provided that utilizes a different refrigerant, the appropriate documentation shall be submitted for review.

060 Major equipment is scheduled by named basis-of-design (York YK chillers, Marley NC8410 towers, Armstrong 4300 pumps). Confirm whether 'or-equal' substitutions meeting the scheduled performance and salient characteristics are acceptable, and identify the governing 'or-equal'/substitution procedure and deadline.

The Contract Documents establish a Basis of Design. Comparable manufacturers are permitted provided they meet the performance criteria outlined in the appropriate Div 23 spec sections. The Contractor may submit unlisted manufacturers via a formal submittal during the Bidding/Submittal phases for Architectural review.

061 Centrifugal chillers, cooling towers and switchgear commonly carry 40–60+ week lead times, which is a large fraction of the 720-day POP. Confirm there is no VA-furnished equipment, and clarify whether early submittal/procurement of long-lead equipment immediately after NTP is acceptable (and whether phased/early submittal review will be expedited).

The contractor may submit submittals as early as necessary to meet their project schedule, taking into account the return time for submittal approval and the lead time required for equipment procurement.

The project does not have any VA-furnished equipment.

062 The SOW includes tie-ins to the existing campus chilled-water supply and return, and demo notes call to 'remove existing chilled water lines, cap tees at main loop.' Provide existing loop pipe size, material, operating pressure/temperature and the location/condition of isolation valves at the proposed tie-in points; confirm whether the campus loop can be isolated without full shutdown.

Isolation valves have been added through Addedndum 1. New valves are located on the new feed from the new plant, as well as the exisitng feed from the existing plant. The existing main line is 12" ductile iron and normal operating pressure is 100 PSIG. Supply temp is 42F. The distribution system will have to be partially drained to complete this tie-in. A complete system outage is required and will be permitted to complete the tie-in for the new distribution piping. The outage will be limited to 3 days and must be completed between November 1 and March 1. The exact timing of the outage will be weather dependent and will have to be coordinated with the COR.

063 Drawings direct refeeding existing MOD 1 and MOD 5&6 main disconnects and to 'coordinate electrical distribution shutdown and cutover with chilled-water shutdown to minimize downtime.' Provide the maximum allowable outage duration and permissible windows (nights/weekends) for these refeeds, and confirm whether temporary generation is required to maintain served loads during cutover.

Anticipate a four-hour outage duration for the cutover, refer to sequnce of work in RFI answer above. All cutover work shall be performed outside of normal working hours and workweeks. Temporary generation is not anticipated to be required to maintain loads during the cutover.

064 A new 15kV feeder in concrete-encased duct bank runs to unit substation US-49. Confirm the serving utility (Ameren) scope split: who provides/energizes the primary service and metering, what work is by-others, expected utility lead times, and any required utility shutdowns that fall outside the contractor's control.

No split scope with AMEREN is required, as all work is downstream of the AMEREN meter. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and energizing the MV service and Customer metering.

065 Given caisson-to-bedrock foundations and referenced dewatering, confirm: (a) anticipated top-of-rock elevations and rock type (from the Terracon report, RFI-02); (b) whether unit prices for rock excavation and for over-excavation/replacement of unsuitable soils will be established; (c) anticipated groundwater elevation and whether continuous dewatering is expected.

See responses to RFI 25 and 28.

066 Normal hours are 7:00 AM–4:30 PM M-F, yet Phase 1B parking work must be done 'nights and weekends,' and utility interruptions may be scheduled outside normal hours. Confirm the extent of required off-hours/premium-time work and whether it is limited to parking and utility cutovers or expected more broadly.

The engineering office is open from Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The drawings and specification state which activities are to be completed on nights and weekends. Holidays could be used for activities that require night and weekend work, but all off hour work will need to be schedule with the COR.

067 01 91 00 and 23 08 00 confirm the Commissioning Agent (CxA) is appointed and paid by the VA under a separate contract, and the contractor furnishes execution support (Commissioning Manager, functional performance testing, startup, TAB, documentation, O&M training). Confirm the required trending durations (Div 23 shows 12-hour/3-day trend cycles), the extent of contractor-developed functional-test procedures, and the number of CxA-directed technician hours to be carried, so contractor Cx labor can be scoped.

The VA does have a contract with a third party commissioning agent. The contractor responsibilities are outlined in the commissioning specifications.

068 Phasing requires public parking to remain available during business hours and that adjacent parking stay accessible. Confirm the minimum number of parking spaces that must remain in service throughout, and whether temporary parking/laydown areas beyond the fenced site are available to the contractor.

Laydown yards/areas are located in the southeast corner of campus or if the project permits in the construction laydown area of the project see drawings and specifications. The project does not have minimum number of parking spaces that must remain. The drawings and specifications take into accout the parking during the phasing of the project.

069 Factor 1 states that, due to the complexity of the mechanical system, 'the past performance of the prime contractor and the mechanical subcontractor will be assessed collectively.' Request the VA confirm that the Prime Contractor must independently satisfy the past-performance and relevant-construction-experience requirements of Factors 1 and 2 on the strength of its OWN completed projects, and that a Prime may not rely on — nor have its rating elevated by — the mechanical subcontractor's past performance to meet the Prime's own qualification thresholds. Please clarify how the 'collective' assessment is scored so that a Prime that does not independently hold qualifying prime-held experience and satisfactory past performance cannot be rated acceptable solely on the basis of the mechanical subcontractor's record.

factor 1 and factor 2 are for prime contractor's experience and past performance only. It did not mention about subcontractor.

PROJECT TITLE: BLDG 47 Build Out 2/3rd flr PROJECT NO.: VA-36C10C-19-0003 Printed 8/19/2026 at 1:16 PM

070 Cooling towers, basin heaters, exhaust fans and electric hoists are roof-mounted. Confirm the structural design accommodates the full operating weight of three tower cells (Marley NC8410, stainless) plus the specified 77 psf wind load, and that structural steel/roof framing on the drawings reflects the three-cell (not two-cell) configuration consistent with

RFI-04.

Structural design is adequate for equipment shown on drawings.

071 The documents conflict on how key roles may be combined. Division 01 45 00 §1.4.B states the CQC System Manager 'has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control' (one person, both hats). Section 01 35 26 §1.9 requires the SSHO to be a separate, dedicated individual from BOTH the Superintendent and the QC Manager. The proposal Instructions (Factor 4) evaluate PM, QCM and Superintendent as distinct key staff, allow one person to hold up to two positions, and bar PM = Superintendent. Please confirm the required staffing structure: (a) may the CQC System Manager also serve as the on-site Superintendent per 01 45 00, or must the QC Manager and Superintendent be separate full-time persons; (b) confirm the SSHO must be a dedicated separate person.

The specifications will be updated to eliminate the designation of the SSHO as a separate, dedicated individual in Addendum 1. Key personnel may assume dual roles, with the exception that the Project Manager and Superintendent cannot be the same individual. Compensation will be allocated solely based on the role and services performed at the time of the service.

072 The QC Manager's minimum experience is stated inconsistently: proposal Factor 4.b requires a QCM with 'a minimum of five (5) years' as a project QC manager, while Division 01 45 00 §1.4.B requires the CQC System Manager to be 'a construction person with a minimum of 15 years in related work' (plus the CQM for Construction course). Confirm which threshold governs for the individual proposed and evaluated under Factor 4.

Change 15 to 5 in spec section via addendum 1. Addendum 1 will be published as an amendment to the solicitation upon completion.

073 Confirm the following delegated-design and field-testing obligations under 13 05 41 are carried by the contractor for all non-structural components (HVAC, chillers/pumps/towers, plumbing, electrical gear, conduit/cable tray, ductwork, piping): (a) all seismic-restraint and anchorage shop drawings and calculations must be prepared, stamped and signed by a professional STRUCTURAL engineer with min. 5 years' seismic experience who is REGISTERED IN ILLINOIS (the project state), per §1.3.A.1, with PE qualifications submitted for approval; and (b) before Final Inspection, the contractor shall field pull-test a minimum of 10% of all post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry per ASTM E488 and ACI 355.2 to verify required load capacity — and if any anchor fails, the next 20 consecutive anchors must be tested with zero failures before resuming the 10% frequency (§3.1.D.1), with a test report submitted. Confirm the Seismic Design Category (drawings indicate SDC D) and that ICC-ES/OSHPD-approved post-installed anchors are required.

Confirmed, this is required. The seismic design category is D.

074 The drawings and specs require the exterior envelope and structure to be blast-designed to the VA Physical Security & Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM, 6/1/2025). Precast panels must resist 35 psi / 111 psi-msec (shear-wall) and 13.5 psi / 51 psi-msec (non-loadbearing) at ≤2° rotation; storefronts, louvers and doors carry their own blast requirements.

However, the governing design threats (W1/W2/GP1/GP2) are NOT in the bid documents

— the spec states they are released 'on a need-to-know basis' by VA CFM only to the delegated blast engineer post-award, and that any delay/added cost from not having them is borne by the contractor. Request: (a) issue the applicable PSRDM design-threat parameters (or a controlled process/timeline to obtain them) so envelope systems can be priced; (b) confirm all blast design is contractor-delegated (precast, storefront, louvers, doors), each by a qualified blast…