Pre-Bid RFIs - Answers.pdf

Pre-Bid RFI Log -Renovate Catholic Chapel B119 Question Response

1 We are interested in doing a substitution request for our BABAA compliant locksets so they are approved to bid on this project. We can't find the formal substitution request form in section 01 25 00.

Do you have a form you can email me? Can you also confirm if we should send this back to you, or someone else?

See spec section 08 71 00-10. Match existing key system.

2 Do you happen to have any bidder information for the project? Also, do you know if the project requires either Davis Bacon or Prevailing wages?

Site Visit information has been posted. Wage determination was posted with the solicitation.

3 We are interested in doing a substitution request for our BABAA compliant locksets so they are approved to bid on this project. We can't find the formal substitution request form in section 01 25 00.

Do you have a form you can email me? Can you also co

See spec section 08 71 00-10. Match existing key system.

4 Will there be another scheduled site visit, or if it would be possible to arrange an additional or alternative site visit for our subcontractor representatives? Are there any other options available to accommodate?

No other site visit is scheduled.

Is the assumed asbestos-containing marble/grout and roofing to be abated as well as part of the scope of work?

Contractor is required to coordinate scope of abatement work with Asbestos Inspection report (Terracon) for extent of abatement scope.

6 Is the flooring on wood? The mastic would need to remain in place if not on sub-floor.

See addendum #1 for removal of existing floor boards required for abatement.

Is the assumed asbestos-containing felt paper beneath plastic composite roof shingles to be abated?

Contractor is required to coordinate scope of abatement work with Asbestos Inspection report (Terracon) for extent of abatement scope.

The scope of work per Section 02 82 13.19 does not match Appendix A in the asbestos report by Terracon, which is the Identified Asbestos-containing Materials (Example: 9x9 floor tile and underlaying black mastic -gray in the 1st Floor SE Entry Vestibule does not appear in Appendix A) Can we get clarification on this?

Section 02 82 13.19 revised in Addendum #1.

9 I found this project listed online and we would like to submit pricing for the glass railing scope. The site where I found the project listed (Construct Connect) does not show any bidder information. Can you provide me with contact information, including names, phone numbers and email addresses for companies bidding the project that we could bid to?

Site Visit sign-in sheet has been posted.

10 Please confirm that new vented aluminum storm windows are not required to be operable at existing ventilators.

New vented aluminum storm windows are not to be operable.

11 Could you please confirm whether the government will authorize an additional site visit, or if contractors are permitted to schedule or conduct independent visits to the facility?

No other site visit is scheduled.

On AHU-1 through 5 and CU-1 through 5, Trane has the following RFIs:

1.AHU-1 through 5 are all 5-Ton selections, but two (2) of the associated condensing units (CU-2 and CU-5) are 7.5 Tons.

a.Please confirm if all condensing units should be the 5-Ton model.

2.Scheduled condensing units are 13 SEER, but the schedule lists the rating is 17.

a.Please confirm 13 SEER is acceptable.

3.Please verify the voltage/phase on the condensing units.

a.The Trane Model listed is 208V/3P.

b.Trane can only go up to 14.3 SEER on this model condensing unit.

1. Schedule will be revised to require all 5-ton models.

2. Schedule will be revised to require 14.3 SEER.

3. Schedule will be revised for 3 phase.

13 We understand SF1442, block 13, requires that an Original and 1 copy of the response be provided, and block 8 provides a physical address for offers. Would the government respectfully consider accepting electronic bid submissions via email?

Per the solicitation, no electronic bids will be accepted.

14 RFP page 6 and 10 reference an attached Contractor Safety and Environmental Record Form (EMR Form). However, the EMR form is not referenced in the Attachments on RFP page 88, and we have been unable to locate the form on SAM.gov. Can the government please provide the EMR Form?

EMR will not be required.

15 RFP page 6, item (3) states, “An original, fully completed bid schedule. The Base Bid amount for the entire project is entered in block 17 of the SF 1442 Offer page.” However, a separate bid schedule does not appear to be included in the RFP attachments.

Are offerors required to complete and submit a separate bid schedule beyond completing the appropriate pricing line items in block 17 of the SF1442?

Complete the line items in Block 17 of the SF 1442.

16 The Bid Submission outlined on RFP page 6 does not provide instructions on completing Representations and Certifications beyond VAAR 852.219-75 and FAR 52.219-28. Are offerors required to complete and return the Representations and Certifications on pages 25-36 with their bid submission?

Representations and Certifications are required to be subitted with the Contractor's bid.

17 Drawing S102 - Can an image or more direction be provided for Note K4 on S102? I am having a hard time finding anything beyond the call out. It is not shown in the pictures or the building elevations. Is this referring to the “keystone” of the arch?

See photo here and similar photos on arch sheet A104

18 Drawing TA101 - Regarding the fiber backbone: it is stated there will be a new line installed for the FACP but there is no mention of a new line for the network. Would you have more information on the type of fiber the existing run is or if there will be a new line added for the network as well?

Coordinate with EHRM project. This project is handling fiber to the facility and terminations in the Telecom enclosure.

Please confirm if the exterior of the chapel will need to be cleaned/power-washed in its entirety.

Chapel exterior masonry to be cleaned in its entirety in the manner outlined in specification Section 04 01 00 - Maintenance of Masonry.

20 Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum? Sign-in sheet was posted to SAM.gov.

21 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

See spec 01 35 26 section 1.9A.

22 If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

See spec 01 35 26 section 1.9A.

23 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

Superintendent maybe dual hat as QA/QC per spec 01 45 00 section 3.4B. May not be triple hatted.

24 If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

Superintendent maybe dual hat as QA/QC per spec 01 45 00 section 3.4B. May not be triple hatted.

25 Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

No. May not be triple hat.

26 Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? Awardee may request a tax exempt form.

27 Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

Was already posted with the solicitation.

28 Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

Yes, project meets current VA TIL guidelines.

Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

Commissioning is not part of the SOW oject.

Contractor shall provide fully functional systems.

30 Please advise how much time we should carry for initial safety training of employees working on site. Also, is training good for the contract duration or will they need to be retrained annually?

Transformer replacement will require a weekend (Sunday) shutdown

31 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

ICRA not required for this project as building is unoccupied.

32 Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends?

Transformer replacement will require a weekend (Sunday) shutdown

Please confirm if there are any domestic material requirements.

FAR 52.225-10 Notice of Buy American Requirement - Construction Materials is in the solicitation.

34 Please provide three recommended resources for vendors or contractors local to the project site.

Site Visit Sign-in sheet has been posted on SAM.gov.

Please confirm if the code requirements for mechanical piping installation and testing are subject to ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping, and will the mechanical installation contractor be required to hold an ASME U, S, H or R stamp?

Yes. Per spec section 23 22 13, 1.5, C, D: code requirements shall comply with B31.9 and B31.1 as applicable. ASME U, S, H, and R stamps are not required for this project because the Contractor is not fabricating, altering, or repairing any boilers, pressure vessels, or pressure-retaining items governed by these stamps.

Please confirm if the code requirements for mechanical piping installation and testing are subject to B31.1 Power Piping and will the mechanical installation contractor be required to hold an ASME U, S, H or R stamp?

Yes. Per spec section 23 22 13, 1.5, C, D: code requirements shall comply with B31.9 and B31.1 as applicable. ASME U, S, H, and R stamps are not required for this project because the Contractor is not fabricating, altering, or repairing any boilers, pressure vessels, or pressure-retaining items governed by these stamps.

37 Will hydrostatic testing be sufficient on all pipe welds or will x-ray be required?

Hydrostatic testing is sufficient; X-ray is not required for plumbing piping welds.

38 If X-ray is required, what percentage of welds and who will be responsible for the cost of testing?

Hydrostatic testing is sufficient; X-ray is not required for plumbing piping welds.

If hydrostatic testing is required will the water necessary for hydrostatic testing of piping systems be provided by the facility?

Contractor to verify water availability on site to support the test. If facility water is not available, the contractor will need to provide water for testing.

Can discharge water from hydrostatic testing be allowed to go into sewer drains or will the contractor need to provide a frac tank?

Clean potable water used for hydrostatic testing may be discharged to sanitary drains, which is generally allowed in standard practice. Contractor to verify with the facility and confirm acceptable discharge points.

Please confirm if there is assumed asbestos on any piping that is to be removed whether underground or within manholes or buildings?

Contractor is required to coordinate scope of abatement work with Asbestos Inspection report (Terracon) for extent of abatement scope.

Will boiler and chiller plant, mechanical rooms etc. be cleared of all stored debris prior to the contractor entering those areas?

VA will remove items prior to construction. Contractor responsible for coordinating with VA removal or storage of any existing items. Drawings indicate specific items that are required to be protected during construction.

Will a full-time fire watch be required during activities such as cutting and welding? How long after such activities are completed?

Yes, fire watch is required while cut/weld/burn, etc.

activities are occurring. Firewatch personnel are to conduct a walkthrough of the worksite to ensure all clear and remain until fire alarm systems are put back online and verified

Who is responsible for all coordination drawings if required? Who will act as the “Gate Keeper”?

Per spec section 23 05 11, 1.4, J, 2: 2.Each Sub- Contractor is required by their respective specifications to prepare their own electronic coordination drawings. The Division 23 Contractor shall be responsible for consolidating (merging) the drawings from all Sub-Contractors into combined coordination drawings, and shall lead the conflict resolution process with all Sub-Contractors working together to obtain finished coordinated drawings/fabrication drawings.

45 Will it be the responsibility of the mechanical contractor to lead the coordination process?

Yes, per spec section 23 05 11, 1.4, J, 2.

46 Will the mechanical contractor be responsible for clash detection and reporting during the coordination process?

Yes, per spec section 23 05 11, 1.4, J, 2.

Will any existing glycol be required to be removed and disposed of by the contractor? If so, can the total volume of glycol be provided?

There is no known glycol present in the building.

Please confirm the extent of any duct cleaning scope requirements.

All ductwork will be new. Existing floor grille behind alter will need to be cleaned and put back for connection in new work.

Is there a particular vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System?

The HVAC controls system (Tridium) and the Fire Alarm system (Edwards System Technology EST3X with voice communications) are maintained by the VA Electronics shop.

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Telecommunications System?

The HVAC controls system (Tridium) and the Fire Alarm system (Edwards System Technology EST3X with voice communications) require sole source justifications. These systems are required for compatibility with the VAs existing systems. These cannot be approved equals.

51 Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Fire Alarm System?

The VA Electronics Shop maintains the fire alarm system.

52 Would you please confirm if there are any preferred manufacturers and/or parts?

For electrical panels Square D, Siemens or Cutler Hammer are preferred.

Will we be extending the fiber from the enclosure, leaving it on the wall as a “demarc”?

Coordinate with EHRM project. This project is handling fiber to the facility and terminations in the Telecom enclosure.

Will it be under the assumption that the fiber is long enough to extend to the new rack location on the opposite side of the room?

Coordinate with EHRM project. This project is handling fiber to the facility and terminations in the Telecom enclosure.

Are we able to splice the fiber if there is not enough slack to reach the new location?

The loop/coil in the crawl space for security fiber will be sufficient to move one wall away within the same room.

Can we use CCH cassettes and fusion spliced the fibers?

Coordinate with EHRM project. This project is handling fiber to the facility and terminations in the Telecom enclosure.

57 Are we able to install J-hooks in the crawl space, or will each run have to be fully encased in conduit?

27 05 33 defines what is required in conduit or can be run in cable management.

Please provide details pertaining to the 4-channel mixer and the amp they want (spec’s, manufacturers, etc)?

Basis of design: Shure SCM268 (4-channel Microphone Mixer) and a 70V amplifier, JBL CSA 140Z.

Is there lead paint?

Yes. Contractor is required to coordinate scope of abatement work with Lead-Containing Paint Sampling report (Terracon) for extent of abatement scope.

Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

Superintendent maybe dual hat as QA/QC per spec 01 45 00 section 3.4B. See spec 01 35 26 section 1.9 for SSHO. May not be triple hatted.

61 Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

A discussion after award may happen.

62 Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet. Sign-in sheet was posted to SAM.gov.

63 (If building is occupied) Are there any phasing requirements? How many people will be in the building? Are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements?

The building will not be occupied. The contractor is required to provide temporary heating/cooling as required by construction activities.

64 Please provide bidding quantities for deteriorated underlayment (roofing).

Contractor to review drawings and is responsible for all quantities.

Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roofing system and who carries the current warranty of the roofing system.

Have product information for the faux slate shingles, but no warranty. Also have no product information or warranty for the flat roof above Vestibule 101.

Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for construction operations in close proximity?

There is a hydrant located ~ 115 ft away, the Contractor will need to provide a backflow preventer, and any additional connection equipment, pressure reducers, etc.required to utilize

67 Does this project require phasing? No phasing is required for this project.

68 Is this project tax exempt? Awardee may request a tax exemption 69 When do you anticipate on site work starting? After issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

Are third party inspections required?

Commissioning is not part of the SOW. Contractor shall provide fully functional systems.

Is permitting required?

FAR 52.236-7 Premits and Responsbilities (Deviation AUG 2025) is included in the Solicitation.

72 Are partitioning, dust containment, and/or negative air machines required for this project?

ICRA not required.

Is any landscaping restoration required for this project?

Impact to the landscape beds should be kept to a minimum. Landscape restoration is not required from a code standpoint but can be added if desired.

Please provide staking data points for the project.

CAD file can be provided to pull staking data that is needed.

Is this on the historical register to follow the direction of the historic registry? This does change the price. Follow the secretary of interior for historic construction?

This structure is on both the National Register of Historic Places as well as a designated National Landmark. The Section 106 submission, that included the bid set drawings and specifications, has been reviewed by both the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service and a determination of no adverse effect finding issued.

Are there any work restrictions for day of the week or time?

All work shall generally be done during administrative hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) Monday - Friday excluding Federal Holidays. Any change in the work schedule must be approved in writing by the VA Representative.

Is the contractor required to store,salvage, and reinstall existing furniture?

Contractor to store, salvage, and reinstall existing furniture as noted in the drawings. Coordinate with

COR.

Should we account for the flooring sub base to be removed within the cappel to allow for foundation installation?

Overexcavation is not required as long as bearing strata is approved by a geotechnical engineer prior to concrete placement. See General Notes on S001 - Foundation Note 5.

What is the existing floor condition of the crawl space?

Existing crawlspace floor is poured concrete and topping slab.

82 Is the intent to place new stone and/or plastic in the existing crawl space?

Existing concrete topping slab to remain. No new finishes are intended in the existing crawlspace.

This solicitation is only for Veteran owned businesses correct?

Project is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business as stated on page 1 of the solicitation.

Will we be able to utilize existing fiber, or is new fiber required?

Coordinate with EHRM project. This project is handling fiber to the facility and terminations in the Telecom enclosure.