Bid questions 656-12-222 Replace Windows Bldg 4 8 9 - STC.doc

Solicitation Questions and Answers 656-12-222 Replace Windows Bldg 4, 8 & 9 - STC

There is no mention of them in the 0800 Spec, however we noted during the walk thru as well as in the provided pictures on the plans that storm windows or in existence. The Scope of work also mentions storm windows, but that is all we can find.

Per the drawings and specifications, the installation of Storm windows will not be a part of this project.

Please clarify if new storm windows are to be provided, which units receive them as well as any specification information for such.

Stom window will not be installed under this project.

Per Windows Supplier Representative, the specified windows “Clad Magnum Tilt Pac by Marvin” has been discontinued since Aug 30, 2021. Is the government open to similar product “Marvin Ultimate Collection” windows? Can the government provide updated specifications to align with Marvin Ulitmate Collection window?

The specification lists the “Basis of Desing”. The VA will accept other window brands or series provided they meet the minimum salient characteristics listed in the specifications.

Are other brands besides Marvin, acceptable?

See question #3

Are there any storm windows in the SOW (To be installed over new windows) to be provided and installed as per following? Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for the complete and satisfactory installation of the new window frames and sashes, screens and storm windows.

See question #1

Can the government provide storm windows specifications and locations if applicable?

See question #1

Is the GC required to have both, QC Manager and Superintendent/SSHO or just one person?

The contractor may dual hat between these requirements.

Are the windows being anchored into existing wood framing or masonry?

Details on sheet AS10 show the existing windows installed in existing CMU

Is there interior trim that needs to be re-installed?

The expectation is that any trim needing to be removed during the demolition stage will be salvaged, refurbished and reinstalled. If trim is not reusable it shall be replaced with like and kind to match existing.

Are temporary wall systems required?

The contractor shall provide a means of protecting patients and staff from construction efforts with a dust proof barrier. Additionally, the barrier is to be equivalent to 1 hr fire rating. Contractor may propose alternate methods to be approved by COR.

Are there any temporary ceiling systems required over the temporary walls?

Sheet AS11 details temporary construction partitions and requirements for installation

Are the temporary wall system doors to have a door lock? What type?

Door locks and latches shall have a BEST 7 pin core to accept VA provided lock cores.

How many windows on average will the single temporary wall system enclose?

Temporary walls may cover more than one window in areas containing multiple windows. However this will be dependent on availability of work space and patient or staff relocation or adjusted work area needs and approval by the COR.

Another question for you on the 0800 Specs again.

The Basis of Design of Marvin Magnum Tilt Paks has been discontinued (see attached).

Could you provide any direction as to what product you would like used in lieu of the current BOD?

See Question #3

yes

09-91-00 Painting Limits: The specifications require patching and painting of wall surfaces disturbed by the window replacement work; however, they do not define the required limits of repainting. Please clarify whether the Contractor is required to:

o Paint only the patched/repaired areas;

o Feather or blend the paint into the adjacent wall surface;

o Paint to the nearest corner or natural break in the wall; or o Paint the entire room or wall where windows are replaced.

Please define the acceptable limits of repainting for bidding purposes.

Painting shall extend to the nearest corner or natural break in the wall.

Existing Ceramic Tile: Existing ceramic tile surrounds are present at some window locations. Due to the facility's age, replacement tile matching the existing size, color, texture, and finish may no longer be commercially available. Please clarify the Government's expectations regarding the handling of existing tile that is damaged during the required demolition and window replacement work. Specifically:

o Is the Contractor expected to replace only the damaged tile with the closest commercially available match?

o If matching tile is unavailable, will the Government accept a similar replacement approved by the COR?

o If no acceptable match exists, will replacement of the entire tiled wall or room be considered additional work by modification?

Has the Government identified a salvage stock of matching tiles to be made available for this project?

The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to ensure the existing wall tile is not damaged during demolition. If removing tile at jamb locations is necessary, the existing tile installed at the jamb locations shall be removed in its entirety (jamb only). A replacement tile being a solid white glazed 4x4 tile shall be installed as a replacement, bevel edge as necessary. Contractor to submit product samples for approval by COR.

09-91-00 Basement Windowsills and Existing Peeling Paint: Existing basement window openings, particularly at Building 9, have cast-in-place concrete sills and surrounding painted surfaces with peeling, flaking, and deteriorated paint unrelated to the window replacement work. Please clarify the Government's expectations for surface preparation and painting at these locations. Specifically:

o Is the Contractor only responsible for repairing and repainting surfaces damaged as a result of the window removal and replacement work?

o If existing peeling or deteriorated paint is encountered adjacent to the window opening, is the Contractor required to scrape, prepare, prime, and repaint those existing deteriorated areas as part of the base contract?

o If so, please define the required limits of painting (i.e., patched areas only, the entire window opening including the sill and jamb returns, or to the nearest natural break or corner).

If additional existing deteriorated paint is exposed during construction beyond the limits of the Contractor's work, will that be addressed by contract modification?

Contractor is to scrape and paint all window sills and lintels.

Window Sills are to be Benjamin Moore Moorlife Flat Exterior Acrylic House Paint (N105) Tinted to VA Thorosheen Grey Ext.

Metal Lintels are to be Benjamin Moore – DTM – color tinted to match windows – Dark Bronze.

There is no mention of them in the 0800 Spec, however we noted during the walk thru as well as in the provided pictures on the plans that storm windows or in existence. The Scope of work also mentions storm windows, but that is all we can find.

See Question #1

Will you accept a substitution to include Graham Architectural Products for the aluminum windows?

These are thermally broken extruded aluminum windows with high performing thermal and structural ratings. The window contractors pursuing your project prefer Graham Windows, https://www.grahamwindows.com/product/gt2200-double-hung/ see email attached The specification lists the “Basis of Desing”. The VA will accept other window brands or series provided they meet the minimum salient characteristics listed in the specifications.