RFIs answered 5_5_2023.pdf

FY23: Tier2 NRM (PROJ: 546-21-110) BB - Upgrade HVAC System in the Utility Plant BLD 44

1. Question # 1. Confirm, there are no temporary power or cooling requirements.

a. A/E: None are anticipated; however, all shutdowns are required to be coordinated with the VA. As was discussed, multiple shutdowns will be required to replace the pumps. Pipe freeze is included to mitigate downtime; however, ice plugs can melt when there is flow so replacing the pump isolation valves requires a “no flow” condition.

b. VA RESPONSE: Any other shutdown will be coordinated with the COR of the project.

2. Question #2. Please confirm there are no electrical load testing requirements.

a. A/E: None is anticipated.

b. VA RESPONSE: Agreed with A/E.

3. Question #3. Please confirm existing freight elevator’s will be available and functioning at their max hoist capacity during the project

a. A/E: The contractor shall have access to the elevator. The A/E does not have knowledge of the freight elevators’ capacity.

b. VA RESPONSE: Right now, is functioning.

4. Question # 4. Re: 52-228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996) (page 16 and 17)

(c) reads “The amount of the bid guarantee shall be percent of the bid price or , whichever is less”.

Please provide the percentage and the dollar amount missing in this statement.

a. VA RESPONSE: OFFER GUARANTEE (BID BOND) (SUBMIT WITH YOUR PRICE PROPOSAL): Per FAR Clause 52.228-1-Bid Guarantee, the amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3,000,000, whichever is less. NOTE: A scanned copy of the original is acceptable with the original sent by mail.

5. Question #5. Page 1 of the solicitation has the following information:

Project Title: Upgrade HVAC System in the Building 44 Project Number: 546-21-110 Location: Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, Florida 33125 Contracting Officer: Apolinar Vargas Magnitude of Construction: Pursuant to FAR Ref 36.204(f),$1,000,000.00 and $5,000,000.00.

NAICS - 238220;

Size Standard of $19.5M Service Code: J045 At the top of page 19, the following appears:

REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2020) (JUL

2020) (DEVIATION) (a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 236220.

(2) The small business size standard is $39.5 Million.

Obviously, this is a major difference, and we need clarification. Generally speaking, a $1-5 million SDVOSB set aside comes under the new size standard of $19 million.

Upgrading an HVAC system should fall under NAICS code 238220, but we await your response and clarification.

a. VA RESPONSE: Thank you for the observation! According to the new U.S Small Business Administration, Table of Small Business Size Standards, dated March 2023, page 6.

NAICS Code: 238220, Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractor is $19.0M

6. Question #6 What type of ductwork would the VA like to have installed?

Plans do not specify, please clarify.

a. A/E: It is galvanized and installed according to SMACNA standards. 2” pressure class downstream of the terminal units; 4” pressure class between the AHU and the terminal units.

7. Question #7. Sheet MDH103 note 6, calls to blank off existing louver but there is no detail, provided on how VA wants the louver blanked off?

a. VA RESPONSE: Louvers will be replaced and not sealed, please refer to the revised scope of work.

8. Question #8. Will the existing ceiling be removed in room 1G105 and 1G100 for demo and installation of new fan coil units?

a. A/E: The work will require some removal of the ceiling and replacement.

The degree to which this is required is dependent on the means and methods the contractor chooses. The intent is to go back with the existing ceiling materials.

b. VA RESPONSE: We agreed with A&E answered.

9. Question #9. How will the VA schedule the work to be completed inside the graphics control room for installation of new HVAC?

a. A/E: This is a VA decision. The scope will require above the ceiling work.

b. VA RESPONSE: Please coordinate with the COR and Plant Supervisor, we do also will require a supplemental A/C provided.

10. Question #10. Will the VA be removing all equipment before the demo and installation take place?

a. A/E: The contractor is to remove all equipment from the site. Refer to demolition notes on M001.

b. VA RESPONSE: We agreed with A&E

11. Question #11. What type of fire dampers are needed? Fire damper type not noted on sheet MH103 or schedule.

a. A/E: Fire dampers material and requirements are specified. See detail 8/M501 for Type B.

b. VA RESPONSE: We agreed with the A&E

12. Question #12. On page MP102 note 2 states that the contractor is to provide new stainless-steel valves. Is the stainless only for the disc and shaft or are you stating the entire valve is to be made of stainless?

a. A/E: The entire valve. The existing valves are corroding due to the environment. The intent is to provide something more resilient.

b. VA RESPONSE: We agreed with A&E

13. Question 13: On page MP102 Note (6) states that the contractor to install 4”

PVC under new unit. Is the 3rd floor post tension cables?

a. A/E: No, however, the contractor needs to locate the rebar using nondestructive means before drilling. Recommend VA providing a reference set of existing structural drawings.

b. VA RESPONSE: We will look for structural drawings of the 3rd floor of BLD 44.

14. Question 14 When it comes to switching the new power for the equipment does it have to be after hours (night) or regular hours?

a. A/E: The plant is 24/7 and all shutdowns due to replacement of equipment will need to be coordinated with the COR.

b. VA RESPONSE: Coordinate with COR

15. Question 15: Are all disconnects being replaced?

a. A/E: Yes. All disconnects are to be replaced.

b. VA RESPONSE: Correct, all disconnects being replaced.

16. Question #16 Are all breakers being replaced or will we be keeping the existing breakers?

a. A/E: All breakers to be replaced and coordinated with new equipment.

b. VA RESPONSE: Agreed with A/E

17. Question #17 - What’s the voltage needed in all new VAVs being installed?

a. VA RESPONSE: Will be 24VAC, please refer to the revised scope of work.

18. Question #18 Do we need to provide any temp power or any temp units once the old ones are being demo 'ed? -

a. A/E: All phasing and shutdowns coordinated with the VA.

b. VA RESPONSE: A/C units (supplemental cooling) in office space.

19. Question #19 Per sheet A001 (Note A) under Test and Balance, it states that the TAB contractor must be a subcontractor to the Prime contractor, however this requirement is not provided in the specifications. Please advise if the TAB contractor can be a tier 2 subcontractor under the HVAC subcontractor.

a. A/E: It is recommended that the TAB and HVAC subcontractor be under the contractor to mitigate any conflict of interest. This decision is up to the

VA.

b. VA RESPONSE: Agree with TAB going under Prime

20. Question #20 Per the Statement of Work (Page 5) under critical path issues (Item C), it states that the chiller plant should be evaluated, and this item was not resolved as the logs were never provided. Please advise on the scope if any for chiller plant.

a. A/E: The evaluation of the chiller plant is not part of the construction project.

21. Question #21 - Please confirm the contractor is not responsible for existing chiller conditions or any repairs to the chiller.

a. A/E: The evaluation and/or repair of the chiller plant is not part of the construction project.

b. VA RESPONSE: Agreed with A/E

22. Question #22: Please provide specifications, previous submittals or cut sheets showing electrical consumption for all equipment on project that is called to be replaced.

a. A/E: Specifications were provided to the VA.

b. VA RESPONSE: We provided all specs that the A/E gave us.

23. Question #23: Please confirm design has been reviewed and accounted for existing conditions and power consumption in the existing panels and that all new work is capable of being energized by existing panels in compliance with Bid Specifications and is up to all applicable codes.

a. A/E: The scope of the project was not to upgrade the existing electrical system. The existing electrical service is capable of powering the current and new loads.

b. VA RESPONSE: Agreed with the A/E

24. Question #24 Please provide panel schedules of all existing electrical panels as related to this project.

a. A/E: The equipment being removed is being replaced in kind and recircuited using the same panel board. Recommend the VA provide as built drawings to supplement the contract documents. No need for existing panel schedule for this scope.

b. VA RESPONSE: We will supplement as built drawings.

25. Question #25 The secondary pump loop Differential pressure sensors are in Multiple locations in the facility and are connected to existing Siemens Control controls panels. These pressure sensors have either failed or are not providing the proper reading back to the controllers to properly control the pumps. These are for Secondary pump loops 10A/B, 9A/B, 8A/B, 7A/B, and 6A/B. The 6 DP sensors need replacement, testing, and recommissioning into the existing control sequence for the pumps. The graphics on the existing Desigo server will also need to be updated. Please advise if this should be included in the current Bid scope of work.

a. A/E: The scope of this project is to replace the pumps and control using existing sequencing and control devices. It is not known that the sensors are not working. Recommend the VA fix before contractor begins work.

b. VA RESPONSE: The VA has an ongoing project already fixing this matter.

26. Question #26 The Secondary Pump Loops Ultrasonic strap-on flow meters installed in the chiller plant are non-operable and should be replaced.

There are a total of four (4) loops. The Flow meters are being used to measure the amount of CHW water going to the remote buildings. The affected loops are: 10A/B, 9A/B, 8A/B and 7A/B. The graphics on the existing Desigo server will also need to be updated and recommissioned.

Please advise if these meters should be replaced.

a. A/E: The scope of this project is to replace the pumps and control using existing sequencing and control devices. It is not known that the sensors are not working. Recommend the VA fix before contractor begins work.

b. VA RESPONSE: The VA has an ongoing project already fixing this matter.

27. Question #27: Is Test and Balance (TAB) required for all systems and/or equipment impacted on all four (4) floors of the project?

a. A/E: Yes. TAB is required on all systems being replaced or added. Air and water balance is required, and sequences verified.

28. Question 28: 10. Please provide specification sheet and/or past approved submittals for existing VFD's.

a. A/E: A/E does not have this information.

b. VA RESPONSE: Existing VFD’s to be used unless upgrade is required.

29. Question 29: On sheet MP-103 (Note 2), it states that a four-inch ( 4") PVC pipe should be installed for flooding precautions and terminated 12" above the 2nd floor finished floor elevation. Please advise if this PVC pipe will go straight down and discharge into a floor sink or simply be discharging to the slab below? Please provide a discharge location to account for proper budgeting and workability

a. A/E: The pipe is to terminate 12” above 2nd floor. The intent is to provide a visual indicator that flooding is occurring on the 3rd floor. The location shown on MP-103 and MP-102 is close to an existing floor drain. The discharge is to the slab below.