RFP27006972 Questions and Answers.pdf

Question Answer

Does the chiller replacement project contain any structural scope to support and/or relocate the existing chiller locations? Chillers are scheduled to remain in their current locations on the existing dunnage to remain.

2 Are HVAC drawings for the separate chiller replacement project available? Visit RI-OSP website for public solicitations: RFQ 26006741

Are masonry repairs, in addition to 100% repointing, anticipated at the penthouse walls?

Yes, for the purposes of this design RFP, A|E firms shall include misc. masonry repairs, repointing, cracks, etc. that may be required at penthouse walls upon A|E assessment.

Has a building information model (BIM) of the project scope, or as-built drawing roof and mechanical drawings, been previously created? No

Please confirm if the design of permanent fall protection system(s) should be included within the project scope.

A|E's shall be responsible to include fall protection / entry protection measures and requirements into the project manual. New roof design shall meet all applicable codes and OSHA requirements.

6 Is roof drain relocation or any storm piping modification required?

Only if new design requires it. A}E shall determine if roof drain pipe sizing meets capacity and code. A|E shall determine if roof drain overflow system exists and/or needs to be modified.

A|E shall be responsible for all roof drain modifications required to meet new insulation configuration/roof system requirements. See answer to question #50.

Have there been any issues with generator exhaust entrainment with adjacent air handler intakes? If so, should modification/extension of exhaust stack be included? Not to our knowledge

The RFP makes no mention of replacement of toilet or general exhaust fans, but select systems appear to be at end of life. Should these be included?

The awarded A|E and Owner will approach this on a case by case basis, however, A|E's shall carry design services to replace roof top exhaust units. A|E team may determine some units are fully functional and not approaching end of useful life.

9 Should the new HVAC units be electrified? We believe they are. A|E to verify during pre-design.

Should bidders assume that the electrical service will need to be upgraded to feed the new HVAC units?

Yes, this scope is part of the A|E requirements to determine if existing conditions meet new designed equipment requirements. If existing conditions need upgrades, A|E shall be responsible to design as such.

Should bidders assume that the structural scope is limited to assessing the existing structure for suitability to support the new HVAC units?

Structural engineer shall be responsible to assess existing roof structure for general conditions along with new roof assembly, new HVAC equipment, new ductwork, and existing to remain equipment/conditions.

12 Are MEP as-built drawings available for distribution? Not as this time.

Under 4.2 bullet point “Ensure construction does not interfere with current building operations” appears to point a General Contractor task. Please confirm that the intent is to write the General Conditions specifications accordingly. Yes, A|E shall be responsible to write some of Div 00 and all of Division 01.

Under 4.2 field presence during construction is defined in several bullet points. It ranges from “periodic site visits” to “field presence no less than 2 days a week”. Please clarify the expectations. Assume 2-days a week.

Under Item 4 Proposal Contents, Section B2 asks that documents be formatted to single-space, with 1” margins on 8.5”x 11” paper setting using a font of 12-point Times New Roman. Can these requirements be waived? Yes; formatting, font, spacing, etc. of the proposals can be of the A|E's choosing.

Under Technical Proposal (Staff Qualifications), the RFP requests scopes / proposals from all subconsultants be included. Is it acceptable to include the key scope items for each subconsultant in the technical proposal? The full subconsultant proposal would include fees which typically are not allowed in the technical proposal.

Yes. Subconsultant understanding of scope / key scope shall be included in the technical proposal submission. Subconsultant costs shall be line items in the cost proposal and not part of the technical portion. Full subconsultant proposals can be included in the cost proposal submission.

Under Allowances, the RFP lists $10,000 for reimbursables. Can you clarify if this is intended for unexpected expenses such as add services and not for reimbursable expenses? Reimbursable are for printing, etc. Please review the AIA B101.

Is there a specific bid form that should be completed with this submission for the cost proposal? If so, can you please provide. No

Section D. Additional Terms and Conditions, Item J, states that there are no reimbursable expenses as part of this RFP and fee proposals shall be inclusive of all expenses anticipated. It also states that for services purchased under an allowance, see details in the allowances section of this document. Section H: Allowances, appears to list a $10,000 reimbursable allowance. Please clarify what the $10,000 allowance listed is meant to represent and if this is to be carried as apart of the fee proposal. Please carry the $10,000 reimbursable as a line item included as part of your base bid.

Section D. Additional Terms and Conditions, Item G, states that all new drawings shall be made in the most current version of Revit. However, Item H states that all Revit, AutoCAD, etc. files as part of the project, shall be turned over to DCAMM for use by the state. Please clarify if the A/E design agent has the option of using either AutoCAD or Revit.

Yes, A|E can utilize Revit or CAD. At the end of a project, the State of RI prefers to have a Revit model with exported CAD files.

Section C. Additional Requirements #11, states that the design team shall be required to provide and manage access to all project data through a quality on-line web-based library system that provides team collaboration, document exchange centers and overall project share points for project information. This section also goes on to list project related correspondence that appears primarily related to the Construction Phase of the project (ie. schedules, submittals, RFI’s, Change Orders, Punch Lists, Pay Applications, etc.). This section also states that the design agent provide specifications for construction that identify the system to be used by the contractor and to manage the use of this system for the duration of the project, plus one (1) year post construction. Please clarify if the intent is to actually have the A/E design agent be responsible for this on-line web-based data management or if the intent is to have the contractor awarded the construction project be responsible, Yes, this is a contractor responsibility item. A|E can utilize SharePoint or similar for document sharing. The State does not have access to Dropbox.

Section C. Additional Requirements #6, states that the consultant shall include third-party Testing Inspection and Special Inspection. Please clarify if the consultant shall carry the cost for a third-party testing agency to perform inspections during construction for the structural scope of work (ex. periodic welding inspection).

Yes, A|E shall be responsible to carry third party testing and inspections, including project determined structural engineer statement special inspection requirements. Testing and inspections scope would also include a full time registered roof observer.

RFQ27006991 - DEM HVAC System Replacement, Electrification, NBNERR Field Station

Section C. Additional Requirements #6, states that the consultant shall include third-party Testing Inspection and Special Inspection. Please clarify if these commissioning services are intended to be only for the new AHU equipment systems and not for the new roof assembly or for structural roof framing design. Commissioning is limited to HVAC equipment and general building TAB.

Section C. Additional Requirements #3, states that the design agent shall include a third-party consultant for Commissioning Services. Please clarify if these commissioning services are intended to be only for the new AHU equipment systems and not for the new roof assembly or for structural roof framing design. See answer to question #23.

Part 1.2: Existing Conditions/Predesign Phase: Discovery, states that the structural engineer is to survey and document existing building structure below/at the dunnage, penetrations, openings, and existing equipment curbs and the determine existing building structure at equipment location needs any improvements. Please clarify that the areas below the roof will be made accessible to survey the roof structure. This access would include areas below the steel dunnage, penetrations, openings, equipment curbs and what appeared to be large enclosed vaulted openings on the fifth-floor roof.

Awarded A|E will have full building access to survey all areas. Structural engineer shall also create statement of specical inspections.

Part 1.2: Existing Conditions/Predesign Phase: Survey Existing Conditions, states that the awarded A/E will be responsible to survey any and all existing conditions. Can the construction of what appears to be large enclosed vaulted openings on the fifth-floor roof be confirmed? Were these originally skylights? Is there any information on these areas? No information at this time. Awarded A|E shall determine upon project start.

Part 1.2: Existing Conditions/Predesign Phase: Discovery, states that the awarded A/E will be given access to any information/drawings the State may have in its archives and that there are physical blueprint drawings of original building design held at the building manager office and limited scans. Please clarify what information/drawings will be available regarding the exiting roof and AHU’s. In particular, will roof plans and details, structural roof framing plans and details, and MEP drawings and AHU information be available?

A|E will be responsible to review the existing drawings we may have. For the purposes of this RFP assume there is little to no information and the awarded A|E will need to field survey and determine the existing conditions.

The Description, Section B, Scope of Work Requirements, does not list the repairs to the existing parapets on the firth floor roof. During the walk-through various deficiencies to the parapet caps, and what appeared to be previous repair attempts, were observed. Please clarify if the parapet repair work is a part of the scope of work. Yes, include parapets, roof edge, cornice, etc. Refer to addendum 01.

The Description, Section A. Background and Section B, Scope of Work Requirements, all state that the fifth-floor roof has seven (7) air handling units (AHU’s) that are to be replaced. During the pre-bid walk-through, it appears that there are ten (10) units on the fifth-floor roof, with seven (7) AHU’s located on curbs and an additional three (3) mechanical units that are supported on steel dunnage. Please clarify which AHU’s and mechanical units on dunnage are to be replaced. If these three (3) additional mechanical units are to be removed and not replaced, is the steel dunnage to remain or is it to be removed. Scope is for seven (7) air handling units, other units are the two (2) chillers and generator.

Page 6 of the Scope of Work document states, “Allow for site visits as necessary until all punch list items achieve satisfactory completion”. The number of punch list visits required is highly dependent on the quality of work by the Contractor. Is it acceptable to limit the number of punch list site visits? Assume four (4) visits for punch list and back-punch verification.

The Scope of Work document references the development of alternates. Is there an expectation on what is expected for alternates (i.e. architectural or HVAC in nature) and the number of alternates? Not at this time.

Please confirm that the schematic design and design development phases require two separate design submissions. One submission, however, individual meetings will determine timing of the deliverables.

Do the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection drawings (MEP/FP) of the building generally depict the existing conditions of the MEP/FP systems? Or are substantial site investigations required to confirm existing conditions? Assume the A|E will need to provide throughout investigation.

On page 2 of the Scope of Work document, it states, “New design shall include five (5) years parts and labor upgrade for both machines.” Can you clarify what “both machines” are referring to? This would be for the seven (7) AHU's.

Is testing and balancing all air inlets and outlets within the building expected to be included in the project or is the testing and balancing effort limited to the new rooftop units only?

Upon researching answers to the RFP questions; we've determined there are no existing building testing and balancing reports, information, and/or history. Awarded A|E shall hire (or thru their subconsultants) a TAB mechanincal contractor to create a building baseline TAB to evaluate, make recommendations, and design from. Also, see answer to question #47.

How will the commissioning agent be involved with the project? Will they be involved during the design phase as well as the construction phase? What services is the MEP consultant expected to provide to support the commissioning agent?

A|E shall be responsible to carry a fully engaged commissioning agent subconsultant.

Assume the commissioning agent would be responsible to create project requirements and specifications, coordinated with the MEP engineering team, as well as full testing/verification of designed and constructed systems. Also, see answer to question #66.

37 What is the square footage of the building? 290,000 SF

Can Chiller design drawings be provided for use in evaluating the overall space, as required? See answer to question #2.

39 Should the ISBE Form and the Attestation Form be separate submittals? Yes, submitted with the cost proposal.

The instructions for the cost proposal say to "complete bid form included". Can you please provide the bid form? Should the cost proposal be separate from the technical proposal?

There is no template/form for the cost proposal. In addition, the cost proposal must be separate from the technical proposal.

Please confirm whether any occupied spaces below the roof areas contain mission-critical operations requiring special phasing, outage restrictions, redundancy requirements, or limitations on equipment shutdowns during construction.

Yes, this is a fully occupied building. Space access and construction coordination requirements, shutdown requirements, work hours, etc. will be written into Divisoin 01 of the project manual specifications by the A|E with help from the Owner. This may also including writing a general understanding of phasing.

Please clarify whether temporary weather protection, temporary HVAC systems, or temporary ductwork necessary to maintain building operations during construction are to be included in the project design.

These requirements can be written into the project manual as construction requirements. If the awarded A|E believes there would be associated design required for providing temporary systems/conditions than those requirements can be written into the specifications.

Should the design team evaluate seismic, wind, and structural code compliance of all rooftop equipment supports, dunnage, access platforms, stairs, and ladders, or only those directly affected by the new work? Yes

Please confirm whether existing roof penetrations associated with abandoned equipment and ductwork are to be removed and infilled as part of the project. Yes

Please clarify whether commissioning scope is limited to the replacement AHUs and controls systems or if commissioning of related electrical, plumbing, and building automation modifications is also required.

Generally, HVAC, designed TAB requirements, and associated BAS/BMS controls. Also see answers to questions #36 and #66.

In addition to asbestos, should the environmental investigation and abatement design include lead-containing materials, PCB-containing materials, roofing mastics, sealants, and hazardous components associated with rooftop equipment?

Yes, the State will rely on the A|E and its environmental engineer to determine the requirements for a complete environmental scope of work and for the environmental consultant to create/submit a licensed ACM abatement plan to RI-DOH for approval.

Please identify all existing record drawings, BIM models, scans, facility studies, TAB reports, controls documentation, and maintenance records that will be made available to the selected design team.

Yes, whatever the State has for archival records will be available to the awarded A|E.

A|E shall include costs to have mechanical contractor field investigate and create a balancing report of the building as there are no testing and balancing archives and/or TAB report(s).

Please provide available drawings and schedules for the separate rooftop chiller project and confirm whether overlap between the two projects should be anticipated during design and construction. See answer to question #2.

The RFP notes that associated AHU piping may require replacement or rerouting.

Please define the anticipated limits of piping replacement and whether replacement should be assumed back to major distribution mains within the building.

Awarded A|E is required to survey the building existing conditions. Given these units are at their end of life, it would be a safe assumption to assume a worst case scenario.

Please clarify whether the existing roof drainage system must be evaluated for capacity and code compliance due to increased insulation thickness, modified roof elevations, and updated code requirements. Yes

Should the design include relocation, replacement, or code upgrades of rooftop electrical feeders, conduits, disconnects, supports, and lighting systems affected by the roof replacement work? Yes

If replacement equipment results in increased electrical demand or electrification, should electrical service upgrades, transformer upgrades, switchgear modifications, and associated distribution improvements be included in the project scope? Yes

Please clarify the required extent of controls and BMS upgrades. Is the scope limited to integration of replacement equipment with the existing Honeywell Tridium Niagara system, or should broader controls modernization be assumed?

The State will be relying on the awarded A|E recommendations. For the purposed of this RFP assume A|E shall be responsible for integration of new AHUs to the existing BMS, coordinating/leading the mechanical equipment commissioning requirements.

Please define the limits of rooftop ductwork replacement. Does the scope terminate at the roof penetration, or should replacement extend into the building where required to provide a complete code-compliant installation? Roof top ductwork replacement shall be code complaint.

Addendum 01 indicates that exhaust fans should be assumed for replacement. Please confirm whether all rooftop exhaust fans are to be replaced regardless of condition and functional performance.

Awarded A|E shall assess the existing exhaust fans and provide the Owner with recommendations for replacement or to keep.

Please provide an inventory of rooftop equipment intended to remain, including exhaust fans, package units, heat pumps, communications equipment, and specialty systems. Should the design team assume removal and reinstallation, evaluation, or replacement of these systems?

A|E shall be responsible to assess/evaluate the roof top equipment and provide recommendations to the Owner. If the recommendation is to replace, than the awarded A|E shall design the replacement.

Please confirm whether existing equipment curbs are anticipated to be reused, modified, or replaced as part of the AHU replacement scope. Assume replace.

Should replacement air handling units be assumed to be in-kind replacements, or is the design team expected to evaluate alternate system configurations, capacities, fuel sources, electrification strategies, and operational improvements?

Yes, early in the project process the awarded A|E shall evaluate alternate system configurations, capacities, electrification strategies, and operational improvements to fully understand impacts to the building and costs. Ultimately, if the costs are found to be to high than the strategy many end up being replace-in-kind, however, we need to provide our due diligence.

Beyond roof walkway pads, should the design team evaluate and design permanent fall protection systems such as guardrails, tie-off anchors, horizontal lifelines, roof hatch protection, and other OSHA-compliant access systems? Yes

Please clarify the anticipated extent of modifications to the southeast fifth-floor roof door, door sill, windows, and window sill conditions. Should full replacement be assumed as part of the design effort? Yes

Please clarify whether the assessment and modification of rooftop stairs, ladders, and access systems should be limited to areas affected by the roof replacement project or whether all rooftop access systems are to be evaluated for code compliance and upgraded as required.

All roof areas / assemblies / access systems shall be code compliant. If something is code compliant, in good condition, and can be modified to accommodate the new roof configuration, than that component can stay. If something is not code compliant than it shall be replaced.

Please confirm the quantity, size, and type of skylights to be replaced and whether replacement is intended to be in-kind or include upgrades required for current energy, safety, and building codes.

We assume that the awarded A|E would design a 'replace-in-kind' option that meets all current code / energy requirements.

Please provide any available guidance from the Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission regarding acceptable modifications to parapets, cornices, copings, edge metals, skylights, roof access systems, rooftop equipment, and visible exterior elements.

A{E is responsible to actively engage HPHC and determine the historical requirements. A|E shall lead this endeavor.

Please clarify the anticipated extent of masonry repointing at penthouse and stairwell structures. Should the design team assume only mortar repointing, or also masonry repairs, crack stitching, lintel replacement, stone repair, sealant replacement, and reconstruction of deteriorated areas?

Yes, A|E shall design masonry repairs, crack stitching, lintel replacement, stone repair, sealant replacement, and reconstruction of deteriorated areas of the penthouse and stairwells.

Please confirm whether the roof replacement scope includes replacement of all roofing materials down to the structural deck at both roof levels, including insulation, vapor barriers, and any deck repairs identified during demolition. Yes

Can you confirm if the state is anticipating proposals from independent commissioning agents as a part of this RFP? Alternatively, can you confirm if a separate RFP for commissioning services will be released?

No, commissioning agent shall be a subconsultant to the awarded A|E. Please make sure your commissioning agent carries a minimum of 15 Cx meetings and 15 on-site testing days in addition to 10 remote testing days during the construction administration phase services as this is critical scope.

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

Brick restoration? Yes

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

Lifting of the lower windowsills to install/tuck the membrane base flashings? Yes, existing windows and exterior door may need to be replaced to accommodate new architectural conditions.

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

Replacement of sealant joints of the lower windows? Yes

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

Lifting of the stone copings at the parapets to install/tuck the membrane base flashings under the copings? If so, the copings will need to be reset and, in some cases, new dowels provided and grouted. Yes

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

Replacement of metal reglets at joints of stone copings atop parapets? Yes

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work: Is there any information on the bolted remedial plates installed at the stone parapet copings? These appear to have been installed for reinforcement. Please clarify if the State intends to remove them to install the new roof and then re-install the plates. A|E structural engineer shall assess and A|E team shall provide the appropriate detailing.

Please confirm if any of the following items are to be included in the scope of work:

EIFS restoration/coatings? Yes

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