RFIs Responses for 552-19-102 Correct Infrastructure Deficiencies B408 20250702.docx

Updated as of: 06/30/2025 @ 2:00PM

Solicitation: 36C25025B0036 Project: 552-19-102 Correct Infrastructure Deficiencies, B408 - Dayton VAMC

Request for Information (RFI) Tracker with VA Responses

KEY:

Submitted RFI = Black VA RFI Response = Blue

RFIs

1. Alternate bid items do not state if they are to be taken off of the base bid individually or each sequentially from alternate 1 through 4.

VA Response – Take off Sequentially.

2. Since this is a new project, explain the clouds on sheets AS102 &AS111 along with the note for the cloud.

VA Response – Work on this building has been performed by VA staff. The Scope has been clouded to adjust per work completed. See revision block note.

3. Window schedule state windows to be aluminum clad wood. Specs and details don’t reflect that case. Please confirm that aluminum clad wood is NOT what the government wants.

VA Response – Provide Aluminum Framed Windows as indicated in the Specifications.

4. Sheet AS501 calls for new rafter insulation. There is no plan view for extents. Is the new insulation for the entire roof?

VA Response – Rafter Insulation is not required and should be removed from the Scope of work. Provide insultation at Mechanical Chimney as indicated.

5. Sheet AS112 shows a reflective ceiling for the entire ceiling 2nd floor ceiling demo sheet AD102 only shows 3 rooms Called out for ceiling demo. How much ceiling is being removed on the 2nd floor?

VA Response - Provide complete ceiling demo for the 4 rooms as indicated on sheet AD102 rooms: 207F, 206, 204, & 203E. All others to be maintained and modified to coordinate with new work.

6. Per Spec 236400 the refrigerants listed are both phased out for use in new water chillers (R134 and R410). Can R32 and R454b be added to the scroll chiller specifications? Can R513 be added to the Air Cooled Screw compressor specification?

VA Response – Chillers with new refrigerants R32 or R454b will be accepted.

7. Is the current Scroll chiller selection on the documents based on the new refrigerants R32 or R454b? Will a new selection be provided based on the new refrigerants?

VA Response – The chiller selection on the documents is NOT based on new refrigerants. Bid chillers with the new refrigerants and coordinate any changes required.

8. The Fan Coil Unit Schedule on drawing M601 lists the following "TAGS" below, but don't have any capacities shown. Do these units (408-FCU-23B; 408-FCU-23C; 408-FCU-23D) exist?

VA Response – These units are located in the LOBBY on first floor, sheets MH101 and MP101. The capacities are as follows; FCU-23B shall match FCU-23A, FCU-23C and FCU-23D shall match FCU-26.

9. Drawing M601 "Fan Coil Unit Schedule" indicates the cooling entering air requirement is 75/63, but on drawing M602 the "Fan Coil Unit Schedule" indicates the cooling entering air requirement is 80/67. Can you please clarify which values are correct?

VA Response – The first schedule (75/63) is correct. The second schedule (80/67) is a typo.

10. All Fan Coil Units are provided with an ECM motor having a 2-10 VDC variable (modulating) input signal per equipment drawing schedules. The specs call for "a fan speed selector switch, with off, low, medium and high positions." which is NOT applicable based on the Fan-Coil Control Sequence on drawing M701. Can this paragraph be removed from this paragraph in the specs and a reference be made to the ECM motors?

VA Response – A fan speed selector switch will not be required.

11. There is a painting spec. The drawings do not call for any interior windowsill painting. Does the VA expect windowsills to be painted?

VA Response – Painting Spec is included for Door Work, and walls adjacent to affected areas.

12. The drawings call for doors and hardware to be removed. The door schedule call for frames with a detail grouting the Frames. Can you please provide clarification?

VA Response – Doors and frames are to be replaced. Frames to be grouted as per Drawing AS602 detail 6 and 7.

13. Please provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet.

VA Response – See Attached.

14. Please confirm this is not a tax-exempt project.

A. If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax- exempt certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

VA Response – A tax-exempt certificate will be issued.

15. Can the bid be emailed?

VA Response – No.

16. Can the bid bond be emailed?

17. If the bid and/or bid bond must be mailed, will the government consider extending the bid due time to no earlier than 11 a.m.? This request is made because 1030 a.m. is the earliest guaranteed time for overnight delivery, and anything before then risks not being guaranteed and potentially arriving after the current bid due time. Extending the bid’s due time would ensure that all bids are received on time and that the process is fair for all parties involved.

VA Response – Bid due time remains unchanged.

18. In the event of contract modifications/change orders, should performance and payment bond premiums be applied to each individual change order proposal or wait until the end of the project where a final modification is issued for the overruns? We ask this because VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) clause 852.228-70, titled "Bond Premium Adjustment” states “in determining the basis for final settlement.”

VA Response – Each individual change order proposal.

19. If a Prime Contractor is awarded multiple projects at the same VA Medical Center location: Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects at the same site/location, or should they be dedicated full-time to this project only?

VA Response – Dedicated full-time to this project only.

20. Can one person serve as the Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, & the SSHO?

21. Please confirm that one person can be the Superintendent and the Quality Control Manager.

22. Please confirm that the Site Safety & Health Officer can’t be the same person as the Superintendent or Quality Control Manager.

A. If the Super can’t be the SSHO, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $36,000 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 14 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $504,000.00. Please confirm a dedicated SSHO is still required.

B. If the Super can’t be the SSHO and the SSHO is required to be onsite full-time, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well on the same property?

C. If the Super can’t be the SSHO, can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role?

VA Response:

A. Yes B. SSHO or an equally-qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-6 C. The SSHO can be a subcontractor that has the required qualifications.

23. Is badging required for the project?

VA Response - Yes

24. Will background checks and fingerprinting be required for any scope of work related to this project?

A. If so, which scope of work and workers will it be required for?

VA Response – Yes, per badging requirements

25. If required, how long is the turnaround time for background check results?

VA Response – it varies depending on workload, but accurate information to the VA will assist with the process.

26. How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors’ budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

VA Response – Depends on varying factors. Safety training should be provided through the contractor’s safety program.

27. Please confirm if tuberculosis testing is required before contractors can commence work onsite.

VA Response - Yes. As per section 01 35 26 - Safety Requirements 1.13 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

28. Please confirm if influenza vaccines are required for all contractors and subcontractors’ employees who work on the site or if masks will be required.

VA Response - No

29. Will the government provide call-in details and instructions for the bid opening to ensure transparency for all bidders?

VA Response – No call in information will be made available for the bid opening. The Bid Opening is public, and the Bid Abstract will be posted to SAM.gov.

30. Please provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor.

VA Response - The information will be provided after the award.

31. Please provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor.

VA Response - The information will be provided after the award.

32. Will the VA allow door locks with keypads instead of card reader access for the ICRA doors?

33. Will the VA allow a Temp Wall System (i.e., Starc Wall, Edge Guard, etc.) instead of a rigid wall ICRA system? This usually provides substantial cost savings to the VA.

VA Response - Temp wall systems are acceptable to use if the system meets all safety requirements. It is important to remember that the construction wall must meet all safety requirements including NFPA and ICRA. Temporary walls need to be from the flooring to the decking to maintain requirements.

34. Will the VA allow the use of Zip Wall (plastic sheathing with support poles) for barriers and containment on this project?

VA Response – Please refer to VA Specifications 01 35 26 – Safety Requirements

35. If fire-rated walls are required, can we use one-hour-rated temporary walls, which are ASTM-certified?

VA Response – Acceptable to the A/E

36. If necessary, will negative air machines be permitted to exhaust through HEPA filter into the occupied space?

A. If not, please provide locations where negative air machines can be exhausted.

VA Response – No. Exhaust to exterior of the building.

37. Is any scope of work for this project required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

A. If so, what trades or scopes will be required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

B. If so, what will the work hours and days be for scopes required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

VA Response:

A. Utility Shutdowns and as required for vibration and noise control.

B. This will be case by case. Coordinate with the COR.

38. Are water connections available near the construction area?

VA Response – Yes

39. Are electrical outlets available for contractors to connect to in the construction area?

A. If not, where are electrical outlets available for contractors to connect to?

VA Response - Yes, 120V-20A outlets exist in the building and can be used.

40. If no electrical outlets nor temp power are available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant cost to rent and fuel. Please confirm this is necessary if no power is available.

VA Response - Refer to response in Question 39.

41. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

A. Where is the location of the pole and meter.

B. Where is the electrical connection for power to the pole and meter?

C. What is the distance between the electrical connection and the pole and meter?

D. Is a 208V, 125A breaker available for connection to the pole and meter?

E. If a breaker isn't available, is a spare available?

F. Would contractors be expected to supply the needed breaker?

G. Will the feeder between the electrical point of connection and the pole and meter need to be underground?

H. Will this feeder need to run across any asphalt or concrete roads or parking lots?

VA Response:

A. No. The campus is primary metered. Obtain temporary power from nearest source and include all wiring and labor as needed.

B. No pole and meter C. N/A D. N/A E. N/A F. N/A G. N/A H. N/A

42. Where are the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

VA Response – See answer below

43. Is parking available for 2-3 vehicles for the prime contractor and each subcontractor for a total of 6-9 vehicles?

A. Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs for a total of 6-9 vehicles?

VA Response – Please refer to VA Specifications 01 00 00 - General Requirements 1.5.E. Contractor parking will be available in the parking lot adjacent to Liscum Road.

44. Will the VA provide space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

A. Where can the mobile office be located?

B. Is space available for an 8’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office?

C. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter for electric usage in the mobile office?

D. Where is the electrical connection for power to the mobile office?

E. What is the distance between the electrical connection and the proposed location of the mobile office?

F. Is a 208V, 125A breaker available for connection to the mobile office?

G. If a breaker isn't available, is a spare available?

H. Would contractors be expected to supply the needed breaker?

I. Will the feeder between the electrical connection and the mobile office need to be underground?

J. Will this feeder need to run across any asphalt or concrete roads or parking lots?

VA Response: Yes A. To be determined after the award of the contract.

B. Yes C. Contractor is required to meter the electrical usage for the mobile trailer.

D. TBD

E. TBD

F. Yes G. The contractor will be responsible for supplying a breaker.

H. See the previous answer.

I. No J. No

45. Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster?

VA Response – Yes.

46. Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

VA Response – This will be determined after contract award. The VA will make the effort to locate dumpster within reasonable distance of the building.

47. Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site?

VA Response – See response above.

48. Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

49. If required, can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site / work area?

VA Response – Yes.

50. Is temporary construction fencing required anywhere on the project or at the laydown area?

A. If required, please confirm that 6’ tall temporary construction fencing is acceptable. We ask this because the standard VA specification is a minimum of 2.1m (seven feet) tall, which is not an industry standard height and would require a custom fence to be made at that height. Alternatively, an 8’ high fence generally tends to blow over even with sandbags on the bases when the fabric is required to be fastened to the fence, since 8’ tall panels with fabric have to potential to cause damage to property and injury to personal, we strongly recommend using 6’ tall temporary construction fencing.

VA Response – Temporary Fencing is required to secure the building and construction areas. Fencing is also required for safety under areas of Overhead/Roof work. A 6’ tall fence will be acceptable.

51. Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours?

VA Response – If coordinated and Approved by the Station.

52. Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

53. Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

VA Response – Yes. Contractor to Store per the specifications and Manufacturers requirements.

54. Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

VA Response – Payment for materials and equipment can be applied for after verification is done by the COR with the schedule of values and approved by the contracting officer.

55. Please confirm that the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

VA Response – Designs were in compliance at the Time of their production.

56. Is there any work not included in the drawings or contract documents that will need to be performed under the contract?

VA Response – No

57. Please provide specifications for the following missing specifications:

A. 081113 – Hollow Metal Doors & Frames

VA Response – Attached

58. Please provide a statement of work.

VA Response – Please refer to the solicitation, drawings and specifications.

59. Please provide drawings showing the routes for electrical wiring and where they will be connecting into panelboards.

VA Response – Panelboard locations are indicated on the Plans. Routing of new Conduit and Electrical wire is at the contractor’s determination of Means and Methods.

60. For analog gauge calibration, please confirm the replacement of broken gauges will be a change order. We have no way of knowing how many gauges could go bad throughout this project.

VA Response – Any broken gauges outside the limitations of work in this contract will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

61. For digital gauge calibration, please confirm the replacement of broken instruments will be a change order. We have no way of knowing how many gauges could go bad throughout this project.

VA Response - Any broken gauges outside the limitations of work in this contract will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

62. Specification 028211 1.1.2 states that the “abatement of pipe insulation located above hard plaster ceilings and in vertical pipe chases is to be abated following demolition of the hard plaster and chase walls” however these demolition locations are shown nowhere on the drawings. Current demolition drawings only show location for ACT demolition. Please indicate on the demolition drawings where the hard plaster ceilings will need to be demolished, and where chase walls will need to be demolished.

A. Furthermore, please indicate on the RCP of these hard plaster ceiling locations what will be installed in the place of the demolished hard plaster ceilings. (ACT, Gypsum Board, etc.)

VA Response – Hard Plaster Ceilings are above the Existing ACT ceilings. Demo as necessary to Remove Hazardous Materials.

63. The 2nd Floor demolition plans only show 4 rooms which need removal of the acoustic panel ceiling assembly; however, the RCP of the 2nd floor shows the entire floor with 2x2 Acoustic Ceiling Tile. Please confirm which rooms on the 2nd Floor will need existing ACT to be demolished, as well as new ACT to be installed.

VA Response - Provide complete ceiling demo for the 4 rooms as indicated on sheet AD102 rooms: 207F, 206, 204, & 203E. All others to be maintained and modified to coordinate with new work.

64. 028211 1.1.1 A states: “nothing in this section shall be interpreted as limiting the extent of work otherwise required by this contract and related documents” with the stated section and contract drawings only referencing pipe insulation as the extent of work. Please confirm that pipe insulation as referenced in the table below is the only form of asbestos abatement per the contract documents.

VA Response – No. This not the only ACM that needs to be removed in this project.

65. Specification 028333.13 is provided; however, quantities are not given nor is removal identified on the drawings. Please confirm quantities of Lead-Based Paint removal and disposal as part of the contract.

VA Response – It is assumed all walls and hard ceilings contain at least a single layer of Lead-based paint.

66. Please provide the Louver Schedule which is reference in the drawings (ex. Drawing Number AS501).

VA Response – Louver Requirements are identified in the Specification 089000 and Mechanical Design Drawings.

67. Please confirm if coordination drawings are required as part of the contract.

VA Response - Yes, coordination drawings are required. Please reference 22 05 11-1.4-I and 23 05 11-1.4-J.

68. There are locations on the demo plans where windows are called to be removed, but on the floor plan there is no callout (key note 2) to install a new window in the opening. See the example below:

Please confirm if these windows are required to be removed and replaced.

VA Response – These windows are existing to remain. Remove from Demo Scope.

69. Is fiberglass pipe insulation an acceptable insulation material for any operating temperature ranges or services?

VA Response – Yes, please reference 22 07 11-2.1, the table in 22 07 11-3.4, 23 07 11-2.1 and the table in 23 07 11-3.4.

70. Where can a designated site laydown and staging area be provided for the project for construction dumpsters, trailers, etc? (Reference: Site Laydown and Staging)

VA Response - Yes, Asbestos Scope is of the quantities Specified.

71. Will an onsite CQC Manager with 20 plus years’ supervision experience be acceptable in lieu of a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or graduate construction management CQC Manager? (Reference: Spec 014500, 3.4B)

72. The asbestos extent of work only calls for the abatement of pipe insulation. However, the asbestos survey provided in the spec also indicates there is ACM contained ceilings and doors/frames. Should we include the abatement of the ceiling tile with glue pods and doors/frames to support the new work? Please advise. (Reference: Spec 028211 – Asbestos – Extent of Work)

VA Response - Yes, Asbestos scope is of the quantities Specified and in the survey.

73. Please confirm the installer qualifications for firestop or can installers who hold manufacturer certifications such as Hilti or 3M install firestop for this contract. (Reference: Spec 078400 Firestop, 1.5)

VA Response – Refer to FM Global 4991 and/or UL requirements.

74. Please confirm the third-party firestop inspections are required for this contract. (Reference: Spec 078400 Firestop, 1.5)

VA Response – Provide Inspections per the Specifications.

75. Is there an existing warranty on the current roof? If so, please provide the warranty holder information. (Reference: Drawing AS110)

VA Response – Not sure how this is applicable to this project.

76. How much time should be allotted in between phases for owner/staff moving and relocating? (Reference: Spec 010000 – Phasing)

VA Response – Time period to be discussed as phase completion nears.

77. In the specifications 028211- 2 there is removal of asbestos pipe insulation above hard plaster ceilings and in wall chases.

Is this part of the asbestos Scope? Please give us locations and scope for put back work.

VA Response - Hard Plaster Ceilings are above the Existing ACT ceilings. Demo as necessary to Remove Hazardous Materials.

78. In TTL Associates Ins Survey & Mold Report, Section 2.3, page 302 in the specifications there are quantities of asbestos pipe insulation, floor tile, mastic, glue pods and sinks listed.

Are these quantities part of the asbestos scope? Please verify asbestos scope to follow.

VA Response – Yes, Asbestos Scope is of the quantities Specified. Also refer to drawings with clouds for ACM that have been removed.

79. Is it acceptable to use a panning and snap trim system instead of the break metal system?

VA Response – Panning and Snap systems are acceptable if the profiles meet the Details of the existing windows.

80. Specification 085113-6, Paragraph 2.3, Note A state that Graham series 1200 fixed is the basis of design. Will the VA accept other manufactures meeting the same specifications?

VA Response – Yes, Specifications are performance based.

81. The construction documents do not include a connection detail for the unit heaters. Please provide the required connection details.

VA Response – Please reference the “FAN-COIL UNIT, ERV. UNIT HEATER PIPING” detail on sheet M503.

82. The Glycol Water Make-Up Pump (408-GCWP1) and Storage Tank are shown in the chilled water system schematic; however, they are not indicated on the new piping drawings. Please confirm whether these components are part of the new work scope. If so, please identify their connection points in the new piping drawings.

VA Response – These components are part of the new work scope. The new piping drawings consist of the floor plans, schematics and details. Components shown on any of the drawings are required. Please reference General Note A on sheet M401, “REFER TO PIPING SCHEMATICS AND DETAILS FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS”.

83. The chemical shot feeder loops for the chilled and heating water systems are shown in the system schematics but are not reflected in the new piping drawings. Additionally, there are no equipment schedules or specifications for the side stream filters 408-CWF1 and 408-HWF1. Please confirm whether these items are part of the new work. If so, please provide the associated equipment schedules and specifications, and identify their connection points in the new piping drawings.

VA Response - These components are part of the new work scope. The new piping drawings consist of the floor plans, schematics and details. Components shown on any of the drawings are required. Equipment Schedules will be provided. Connection points are shown on the schematic.

84. HVAC equipment items 408-H1, 408-H2, and 408-H3 are included in the new piping drawings; however, there are no corresponding equipment schedules or specifications. Please confirm whether these are part of the new work scope. If so, please provide the relevant schedules and specifications.

VA Response – Requirements will be clarified via addenda.

85. FCU-5B is identified on the first-floor new piping drawings but is not listed in the Fan Coil Unit Schedule. Please provide the specifications for FCU-5B.

VA Response – Specifications for FCU-5B will be provided via addendum.

86. FCU-40A and FCU-68 are listed on the Fan Coil Unit Schedule but are not identified on any project drawings. Please confirm the locations of these units, along with their piping connections and associated panel circuits.

VA Response – Requirements will be clarified via addenda.

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