RFIs Repair Building Envelope_VA Responses.pdf

RFI’s for 36C25725R0058, RFI’s Repair Building Envelope

Please see the following Requests for Information (RFI):

Roof systems & scope

• Please confirm the roofing system to be installed on the 15,159 SF “non-coated roof” and for repairs to the 129,627 SF coated roofs. Drawings and specs reference Garland coated roof work on the drawings, but the specs include both Cold-Applied SBS Modified Bitumen (07 52 16.11) and TPO Roofing (07 54 23) sections—identify the governing system and basis-of-design for each roof area.

Full replacement for the non-coated areas and repair for the remaining areas.

The existing roof is a Mineral Modified Bitumen, Garland system. Cold-Applied SBS Modified Bitumen (07 52 16.11) specification shall be used as required by the designer and roof manufacturer.

Fluid applied roof system to be used on 100% of the roof. Basis of design is Garland LiquiTec system. Designer to issue Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASI) after bidding. The specification section 07 56 00 FLUID- APPLIED ROOFING to be used, please see attached.

• Confirm whether full replacement is intended only for the 15,159 SF non-coated area and repair/replace in kind for the 129,627 SF coated areas, or if any coated areas require full tear-off.

Full replacement for the non-coated areas and repair for the remaining areas.

All general notes and callouts on Sheet A-002 apply.

• Provide roof system warranties required (term, NDL coverage, manufacturer/installer). Specs include warranty placeholders and manufacturer inspection language—please define.

Provide a 20 year roof manufacturer warranty and standard 1 year construction warranty as required by contract specifications.

• Are core cuts, moisture scans, or adhesion tests required before reroofing? (Not explicitly stated—please confirm test requirements and acceptance criteria.)

Contractor to coordinate moisture scans and adhesion tests with manufacturer.

• Would the decision makers on this project consider using a different roofing manufacturer? Past experience with Garland is they are 3x more expensive and have been difficult to work with in the past.

The majority of the existing roofs are a Garland system. The intent is to remain on a warranted Garland system.

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays

• Drawings state ~53,244 SF of PV over three roofs must be removed, stored, cleaned, and reinstalled to working condition in phases coordinated with COR; also notes customer-provided third-party PV commissioning. Please confirm (1) who pays for commissioning, (2) scope boundaries (electrical testing standards, failed-module replacement), and (3) required documentation.

The contractor will incorporate their own means and methods in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Delegated design for roof system repair, remove, store, reinstall, and commission of the PV system.

• Deduct Alternate 01 says PV not removed only clean around panels and repair roof but still verify/test groups for proper operation. Please confirm how the A/E wants us to price/testing protocol for this alternate and whether any warranty exceptions apply when roofing under PV is not exposed.

After further assessment of the deduct alternative, the VA will require full removal of the PV system as achievable in phases/areas.

• Several notes require removal of loose PV brackets and replacement of non-compliant ballast/blocks. Please confirm acceptable racking anchorage method and patch/warranty requirements where existing attachments are removed.

Please reference PV system record drawings, anchoring method shall meet or exceed existing system. Roof patching to be per mfr. recommendations.

• Scope of work states to remove, store, clean reinstall, and commission PV system but drawings (EP-101 keynote 1) state to put as new? Please advise

Remove, store, clean, reinstall and commission the PV system. Sheet EP-101 is part of As-Builts for the PV system. Please use for reference only.

• Is conduit and wire to be reused? This material is to length so would require putting system at exact locations. Is it known if there and any slack for wire runs in case there is a situation the system is not exactly put in the exact place as where it was previously installed?

The GC can provide new or re-use the conduit and wire. GC will have to comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

• Is the PV system in full working order?

Yes. Pre-assessment and commissioning are still required.

• Has the PV system been kept up to date, O&Ms, inverter updates, etc.…

Yes, the PV system has been kept up to date.

• What is expected if any modules or inverters are not working? Are they expected to be replaced and at whose cost?

Pre-assessment required by the GC prior to removal of PV system for review by the VA. The VA will be responsible for any equipment not working at the time of the assessment and the GC will be responsible for any equipment not working at the time of reinstallation.

• Instead of a detach/reinstall of PV system, would there be consideration for a system overhaul meaning putting in a new PV system that is up to date with less modules and inverts performing the same work as current? If consideration is taken, would system need to be BABA certified?

No. This facility is being programmed for demolition.

Skylights (Annex)

• Drawings require remove and replace Annex skylight with Kalwall Skyroof; water test required; approx. 56'-0" length—please provide the exact water test method and acceptance criteria (e.g., ASTM E1105, duration, nozzle pressure, sequencing).

ASTM E 1105 – 15 minute uniform pressure, uniformly wet, spray-rack system,

5.0 U.S. Gal / FT2 or testing pressure of 6.24 PSF.

• The skylight spec Section 08 45 23 sets Kalwall as basis of design but includes multiple <Insert…> placeholders (panel thickness, color, missile category, extended warranties). Please provide selections for: panel thickness, interior/exterior colors/finishes, impact rating (ASTM E1996 missile level), and any extended warranty terms.

2-3/4” thickness with aerogel insulation. Thermally broken aluminum framing, panel colors to be white/white, provide standard mfr. warranty , impact rating E.

• Drawings also state main building skylight “no work required.” Please confirm no cleaning, re-sealing, or warranty work is expected there.

Concur, no work required in Area 3B of the drawings

Masonry/precast sealants & flashings

• Drawings call to remove/replace sealants and backer rods at window/door/louver perimeters and precast joints, and to match adjacent mortar color. Please confirm sealant type(s) and color schedule, required fire-rated sealants at penetrations, and whether field mockups are required for color/finish approval.

Mockups are required. Elastomeric joint sealants – Basis of design W.R.

Meadows manufacturer Non-SAG Polyurethane Joint Sealant. Color samples to be submitted in shop dwg submittal for approval by the VA.

• The specs include detailed through-wall flashing installation requirements (07 60 00). Please identify locations/limits for new vs. existing flashing replacement (e.g., foundation top, floors, cavity walls, lintels, copings, sills/door thresholds) and confirm metal type/finish for exposed counter flashings.

New through-wall flashings are not required. New sealants are required.

• Drawings note weeps ~4'-0" O.C. to be cleared. Confirm if any new weeps are to be added where missing and the weep type (rope/vents).

No new weeps are to be installed.

• Within the drawing there seems some clarifications needed. On Sheet A-200 “WS” is not marked (See snip it). Are this included or excluded? On Sheet A-201 “WS” is highlighted. On Sheet A-202 “WS” is not marked. On sheet A-204 “WS” is highlighted. Please review draws and clarify this information.

Sheet A-200 / WS is shown correctly – the note 02 41 00.C5 is clear whether highlighted or not – “the sealant at pre-cast panels below the window is to be removed and replaced”. This applies to sheets A-200, A-201, A-202 and A-204.

A-

A-

A-

• Please provide building Elevations. Sheets A-200 to A-205 are titled “Exterior Elevations”, but do not show the building elevations. Please provide building elevations so the correct equipment is calculated.

Bidders are being provided As-built drawings exterior elevation sheets for original facility construction and “Annex” addition. Please see attached pdf document named “EP_As-Builts_Exterior Elevations” Please note facility is placed next to a mountain and there are significant changes in slope around the facility.

Known leak area (Canteen Storage)

• Drawings identify foundation wall at Floor 1 Canteen Storage leaks from patio above—replace waterproofing and sill flashing at patio. Please provide the exact waterproofing system and detail(s) to use at this location, including termination and tie-ins.

This issue has been resolved, it is no longer a requirement of this project.

Roof drainage / penetrations / appurtenances

• Confirm scope to repair/replace pitch pockets, drains/overflow drains, insulation with poor slope, clean to daylight, and antenna removal/patching and specify detail standards for these repairs (e.g., new stainless pitch pans vs. liquid-flashed boots, drain bowl/leader replacement).

Liquid-flashed boots acceptable. Roof patching per mfr. recommendations.

Replace any missing drain/overflow drain strainers (assume qty. of 20). Test all drains to ensure proper functionality. Assume qty. 150 repair of pitch pockets.

• Note to remove wood coverings at roof penetrations and install stainless caps please provide standard detail and gauge/finish.

Provide 16 ga. steel cap that turns down at least 2”. Mechanically fasten with sheet metal screws with neoprene washer at 16” o.c. within the 2” turn down on all sides.

• Confirm fall-protection removal/reinstall acceptance criteria and responsibility for re-certification after re-installation.

Removal and reinstallation to meet or exceed OSHA requirements.

Phasing, access, and operations

• Drawings state work must maintain occupied operations and require coordination of noisy/dusty work; please provide allowed work windows, shutdown protocols, and interim weather-tightness expectations during phased roof/PV/skylight work.

Please reference statement of work on solicitation, section 5 “Hours of Work” for work windows.

Reference specification 07 01 50.19 for temporary roofing requirements.

Contractor shall always maintain weather-tightness when contractor is not actively working on-site. Contractor is responsible for their own means and methods as necessary.

• Confirm access routes, staging/laydown areas, and any weight limits for roof staging (spec mentions protections and load distribution).

Roof access will be made available through the building stairways and elevators, and contractors will be able to access roof using their lifts and equipment. For building access, the El Paso VA is an open campus that can be accessed from Alabama St, Piedras St, and Fred Wilson.

Staging area shown on coversheet of drawings. Contractors are responsible for their own staging area fencing and security. The El Paso VA is an open campus and is not monitored 24/7.

Structural As-Built drawings for original construction and addition (Annex) indicate a design live load for the roofs of 20 PSF (lb/sf). See snip of drawings below.

• Project Schedule (01 32 16.15) is included. Please confirm CPM submission timing, any interim milestones, and whether third-party scheduler approval is needed (spec outlines submittals/approvals).

45 days for a complete project schedule. Milestones can include: Removal of PV system, completion of the roof, PV commissioning completion, and project complete. Please coordinate with COR to establish final list of milestones.

Alternates & pricing structure

• Please confirm the full list of alternates (the specs note two deductive alternates and point to F6/A-001; drawings show Deduct Alternate 01 for PV). Clarify whether there is a Deduct Alternate 02 and its scope for pricing.

After further assessment of the deduct alternative, the VA will require full removal of the PV system as achievable in phases/areas.

• Need Updated “A.3 Price/Cost Schedule” to reflect Deduct Alternates.

After further assessment of the deduct alternative, the VA will require full removal of the PV system as achievable in phases/areas.

*Contracting please address.

QA/QC, testing & closeout

• For PV “working condition” verifications (base and alternate), specify required tests (I-V curve, insulation resistance, string open-circuit voltage, ground continuity), pass/fail thresholds, and report format to satisfy the “test each group of panels” directive.

All the listed above are required and full compliance with NEC.

• For skylight water test, define standard, duration, and area extents (see Skylights above).

ASTM E 1105 – 15 minute uniform pressure, uniformly wet, spray-rack system,

5.0 U.S. Gal / FT2 or testing pressure of 6.24 PSF.

• For reroofing areas, confirm required manufacturer inspections and certification at initial, in-progress, and final (spec mentions manufacturer services).

As required by the roof manufacturer.

Hazardous materials

• Drawings state asbestos survey/abatement must precede work if encountered.

Please confirm who is providing comprehensive AHERA survey for affected areas and abatement contractor responsibility.

A survey of the facility was conducted in 2014 that confirmed our facility is asbestos free. If any suspected ACM material is encountered, please notify COR/VA immediately.

Fire/smoke assemblies & penetrations

• Drawings require GC to identify fire-rated/smoke assemblies and resolve conflicts.

Please confirm firestopping submittal requirements, UL systems, and whether third-party inspection is required.

This project contains all exterior work and should not have any interior work where fire-rated/smoke assemblies reside.

Color/finish selections

• Provide finalized sealant colors (“match adjacent mortar”), metal flashing finish, skylight panel colors/finishes, and any roof surfacing color requirements impacting solar reflectance (spec references cleaning to maintain SRI).

Shop drawing submittals and samples will be required for all materials above for final VA approval.

• What is the maximum weight in lbs/ft^2 for roof loading. If staging uninstall and reinstall maximum roof loading for these solar panels will need to be known to the installer for planning.

Structural As-Built drawings for original construction and addition (Annex) indicate a design live load for the roofs of 20 PSF (lb/sf). See snip of drawings below.

• Is the current operational state of the solar system known? Any inoperable panels, inverters, faults or deficiencies will need to be documented before uninstall, requiring a thorough assessment.

The PV system is fully operational.

• Who is the manufacturer of the lightning arrest system? We need to know what part of the lightning arrest system can be reused and what part needs to be replaced.

Please reference the provided PV system drawing set for lightning protection system details.

• The plans shared are missing the ballast map. PC -1 through PC - 10, will these be made available?

Please see attached PV system drawing set with included sheets. Document named “El Paso VA Final PV Drawings”.

• Will we have to raise any curbs where liquitech is being applied?

Contractor to determine raising of curbs as required by the roof manufacturer.

• Is the non garland roof areas being fully tapered?

Contractor to determine tapered insulation board as required by the roof manufacturer.

• What does the taper of the insulation added to non-garland roof need to be?

Provide new tapered insulation at 1/8”/ft, as recommended by the roof manufacturer.

• Are all coping and metal flashings to be re-used?

Re-use all coping and metal flashings where possible. Include cost for replacement of 10% of existing coping and metal flashings.

• Where are new guy wires supports being installed?

Existing antenna, including guy wires, is to be decommissioned and demolished by the contractor.

• What roofs are concrete or steel decks?

All roof areas are concrete decks. Reference details on sheets A-004 and A-005 “Roof Plan Std Details”.

• Do we need to obtain a moisture scan or has one already been done?

Contractor to coordinate moisture scans and adhesion tests with manufacturer.

• Have any roofs been core sampled?

No cores have been sampled and none are required.

• What are the existing roofs comprised of?

All roofing systems are Mineral Modified Bitumen.

• We are requesting approval to be used as an alternate manufacturer for the skylight specified in Section 08 45 23 of the project manual. The specified manufacturer is Kalwall. We propose using Apollo Industries Titan Series, which meets or exceeds the project specifications in performance, quality, and warranty.

Please confirm whether Apollo Industries Titan Series is an acceptable substitution.

Attribute Specified Product Proposed Product

Manufacturer: Kallwall Corporation Apollo Industries

Model: n/a Titan Series

Size: 5' 11 3/4" x 56' x 6' 4" 5' 11 3/4" x 56' x 6' 4"

Glazing Type: 2 3/4" Insulated Translucent FSP 2 3/4" Insulated Translucent FSB

Proposed substitution details, including test reports, glazing specs and shop drawings are contained in the attached file. Proposed substitution will not affect the construction timeline, nor will it impact any other trades. No changes to the project will need to be made if proposed substitution is used.

The Contractor shall meet or exceed the basis of design included in the contract specifications and drawings.