S02 657A1-21-800-ATTACHMENT 7 Frequently Asked Questions.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions for Solicitation # 36C25525R0106

1. Please confirm that all Basis of Design equipment and materials specified by the VA have satisfied any and all Buy American and sole source requirements, if applicable.

Please provide all Buy American Act Waivers and Sole Source Justifications applicable to this contract.

A: If vendors are planning on using equipment that requires a Buy American waiver, they must provide complete information about the equipment and why they cannot procure it in the United States so the Buy American waiver can be processed and approved.

2. Specification Sections 01 52 13(2.4)(B) & (C) only provide ONE acceptable manufacturer for the laboratory and dental clinic, not three, which is why a sole source/brand name justification was requested.

A: The A/E has provided acceptable manufacturers that cover the Basis of Design.

Vendors do not have to use the suggested manufacturers, if vendors are planning on using another vendor, then they must meet the salient characteristics provided by the suggested vendors.

3. The VA’s response does not answer the question. Will the VA make progress payments to Contractor for work completed on engineering during the submittal process (prior to equipment being delivered or installed) and all applicable deposits required to begin manufacturing?

A: Progress payments will only be made for equipment delivered / installed. The government pays in arrears. See VAAR 852.232-70 PAYMENTS UNDER FIXED-PRICE

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS (WITHOUT NAS– CPM).

4. Is the new VA memorandum on bolts for steam and hot water systems applicable to this project? To our understanding A307 bolts are no longer allowed.

A: Specification 23 21 13 section 2.3 and 23 22 13 section 2.3 outlined in the

Requirements for Identification and Replacement of A307 Bolts Memo 12.13.24 have been updated to remove A307 bolts and provide new bolt requirements.

5. Page 8 of the solicitation states: “Phase 0: 1) Design and submit for VA approval layouts and phasing plans for work in Building 1 and construction of the Temporary Modular Building Complex (MBC), along with product submittals for items to be part of the Project.” Please clarify “design.”

A: Please see Modular Bldg Complex Disclaimer on Drawing Number GI001. Items shown are conceptual and for informational purposes only. The contractor shall provide, as part of delegated design, layouts for modular building units, relocated departments and equipment, along with phasing documents for coordination with, review and approval by the VA prior to authorization of work by the VA.

6. Although the PPQ form is attached, no directions for the provision of these are included. Will CPARS for the projects identified in the Past Performance section be allowed instead of PPQs? Contractors do not have control over whether the COs return these forms.

A: Vendors can also provide their CPARs.

7. Please provide current asbestos survey and report.

A: Provided. Referred to hazard material drawings for more details.

8. There is not sufficient information to prepare an estimate of cost and schedule for this COR temporary field office. The location of the temporary field office affects the cost and schedule estimates as it impacts the materials and labor required to, for example, grade the area for set up, connect to utilities that may be near the selected area or need to be pulled from far away. For the purposes of the proposal, bidders cannot know what the COR will decide in the future. Will the VA provide assumption parameters for the location of the temporary field office?

A: A temporary COR field office is not required.

9. Can you please confirm if the temporary COR office that is supposed to be erected temporarily is part of this requirement? There are no correlating plans that go with this for grading and building this structure. If this is intended, please confirm that the list of office filing cabinets are complaint with the VA’s security policies, as they are not fire rated.

A: A temporary COR field office is not required.

10. Who holds the roof warranty?

A: No warranties on the existing roof.

11. Please confirm that any equipment that is to be salvaged from this project will be identified by the COR.

A: Any equipment that is to be salvaged will be identified by the COR.

12. The mechanical portion of this job is the most vital part of this job and is most of the project, and it is assigned NAICS code 238220. Therefore, any reliance of the prime contractor on an ostensible subcontractor for the performance of the mechanical work would improperly avoid the set-aside requirements. According to the SBA, an ostensible subcontractor exists when the prime contractor is unusually reliant on the subcontractor or that subcontractor performs the primary and vital requirements of a contract.

Shouldn’t the prime contractor’s experience be the foundation of past performance evaluation for Factors 1 and 4?

A: The prime must comply with VAAR 852-219-75(a)(1)(iii) VA Notice of Limitations on

Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction: Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in

852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDBOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

The answers for Factors 1 and 4 are to evaluate the capabilities of both prime contractor and subcontractors and are of equal importance.

13. How much space will the contractor on site have for onsite material storage?

A: All onsite material storage will need to be coordinated with the COR. Currently there is a construction lot on the southeast side of the building.

14. Will AIA billings be acceptable on this project? The specifications call out for pay applications to be on Form 10-6001a which appears to be a progress reporting form.

A: AIA billings and Form 10-6001a are both acceptable.

15. Who is the manufacturer and who currently services the current Security and Access Control System?

A: Hirsch / Pro Alarm, LLC

16. Who is the manufacturer for the current Alarm System?

A: Napco

17. Who currently services the Med Gas Alarm System?

A: OZ ARC/GAS Equipment & Supply, Inc.

18. If the Structural Steel Fabricator complies with all applicable publications in Division 051200 specifications, are they required to be AISC certified?

A: AISC certification is still a requirement for the steel fabricator.

19. PL100, RM GE-064. There is a ¾” pipe tagged as V. Per the Plumbing Symbol List that designation would define that pipe as Vent. Typically plumbing vents are larger than 3/4". Please verify that is a ¾” Vent and would require copper piping to reroute as shown.

A: Piping is ¾” Vacuum. Tag will be updated.

20. This question has not been answered. Please provide the material type, size, and length of the existing chemical resistant waste and vent piping to allow bidders to match.

A: Adjustments to existing piping should match existing material if available. If not available, then the specification information provided would be used.

21. The VA’s response is unclear. The response appears to say there is no AV (Acid Vent) or AW (Acid Waste) piping to replace or reroute on this project. Please confirm.

A: Contractors to bid what is shown on the plans. If no AV or AW is found on the plans, then there would be no items to price.

22. MP103, NW corner by the stairwell. Several pipes come up from the floor below.

On the floor below (MP102) 4” LPS and 1-1/2” LPC becomes 3” LPS and 1-1/2”LPC and runs to the right to go up again to become 4”LPS and 1-1/2”LPC on MP104. Verify the size is 4” LPS.

A: Size is 4” LPS all the way to the RTU.

23. Specification 01 00 00(1.2)(c) of the General Requirements mentions “work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by the VA.” It is unclear whether this is in reference to ordinary construction inspections or some specific laboratory testing.

Please clarify what this means.

A: The VA has no work that will be subject to a testing laboratory retained by the VA.

Please disregard this paragraph in Specification 01 00 00 (1.2)(c).

24. Specification 01 00 00 (1.5)(C)(2) requires the Contractor to install permanent cores at the completion of the work per Specification Section 08 71 00, Door Hardware.

However, Specification 08 71 00(2.8) requires the Contractor to provide construction removable cores and construction master keys. Please verify what is required.

A: Both sections and paragraphs apply and are the contractor’s responsibility.

25. MP103. In the same area as question 24 above. 4” LPS and 3” LPC do not appear on the floor below. Are these existing lines we are to connect into? Where is the connection point? Please provide clarification.

A: Pipes shown as 4” LPS and 3” LPC should be 1” LPS and 1” LPC which tap into the

LPS and LPC new mains. The 1” lines serve the humidifier on the RTU.

26. The 4” LPS and 3” LPC shown on MP103 and referenced in the question above becomes 1” LPS and 1”LPC. Please verify the size and the routing of these two pipes.

A: Pipes shown as 4” LPS and 3” LPC should be 1” LPS and 1” LPC which tap into the

LPS and LPC new mains. The 1” lines serve the humidifier on the RTU.

27. It is impossible to properly estimate the costs and schedule to perform the removal or rerouting of unknown structures that may interfere with the primary work. For example, if extensive duct, piping, sprinkler systems, etc. needs to be removed and/or rerouted, costs will increase, and the schedule will be impacted. Please identify the existing items that must be removed, replaced, or relocated to allow for the new work to be installed. From our field observations at the site visit it is not possible to quantify the items without extensive site investigation with the entire ceiling removed. This project is currently not biddable or constructable due to this lack of information.

A: Contractor shall bid the documents as indicated. Documents indicate items for removal and relocation.

28. What are the existing corridor walls on the first floor and ground floor made of?

A: They are predominantly plaster over clay tile construction, with a few places being gypsum board over metal studs.

29. Due to tariffs that were enacted today, can FAR 52.216-4 be included in this solicitation?

A: No. FAR 52.216-4 is not mandatory and will not be included in this solicitation.

30. How will the VA handle price increase on material due to the tariffs? Note that just though the tariffs are on foreign goods, the cost of domestic goods is rising at roughly the same rate.

A: The inclusion of an economic price adjustment clause to accommodate potential price increases due to tariffs is completely discretionary on the Government’s part. It is not a mandatory inclusion to the contract. The Government is not going to include an economic price adjustment clause.

31. Please provide the requested equipment list for all departments (i.e., dental, laundry, administration, women’s clinic, pain clinic, etc.) other than the laboratory equipment on drawing QH601. Also, will the contractor be required to calibrate or test any of the equipment once moved?

A: This has been provided for all laboratory equipment on drawing QH601. Laboratory equipment is required to be recalibrated by the vendors listed on drawing QH601. All other equipment is to be relocated by the VA.

32. We are requesting that the proposal with all volumes be able to be submitted electronically to the CO. This has been what this NCO has done on previous projects in the last two years.

A: Electronic submissions will be accepted vice the hard copy mail.

33. Is grooved piping and fittings allowed for chilled water and heating hot water?

A: No, refer to specifications.

34. Is press connect such as Viega Propress acceptable for domestic water?

A: No, refer to specifications.

35. Who will be responsible for supporting all of the existing data cables that are laying on the ceiling grid currently? Please provide a quantity of cable and supports if the contractor is required to do this work.

A: Contractors are to provide any temporary support required. Please refer to

Specifications.

36. Please provide the current roof warranty for each roof that will have roofing work conducted on it during this project. Please provide the current warranty contact for that company also.

A: There is no warranty on any of the roofing.

37. Please provide the current fire alarm company and contact for this facility.

A: Johnson Controls Fire Protection, Hannah Dierkes hannah.dierkes@jci.com

38. Are ECM fans acceptable in lieu of VFD controlled fans for the AHU’s?

A: Provide fans as indicated in specifications and drawings.

39. Are ETL listed AHU’s acceptable?

A: Refer to specifications for requirements.

40. VA projects typically list the basis of design to help indicate the saliant characteristics of the item. Please provide the information requested.

A: VA projects do not list manufacturers. Major equipment manufacturers were used for basis of design.

41. Is aluminum acceptable for the exterior casing of the AHU’s assuming that the gauge of aluminum is of an equivalent strength?

A: Refer to specifications for casing requirements. Specifications note: Aluminum constructed units may be provided subject to VA approval and documentation that structural rigidity is equal or greater than the galvanized steel specified.

42. Does AHU-AC9 require fire smoke dampers at the supply outlet?

A: Provide dampers as indicated in specifications and drawings.

43. What is the purpose of two traps off the single AHU steam coil? One correctly sized trap would be sufficient.

A: Two traps are for startup and redundancy.

44. Please provide the pipe sizing on the steam coil and chilled water coil detail for all units not just one. We assume that the different size units get different pipe sizes.

Please list the sizes by unit for bidding purposes.

A: Pipe sizes are indicated on plans.

45. Can the walkway for the temporary trailers be built out of wood?

A: The walkway connecting to the hospital must be as designed on the contract documents. This includes everything south of and including the 2-hour fire separation wall. Everything north of that wall may be built out of wood.

46. Since this is not a design project, please advise as how the contractor is responsible for designing multiple temporary building complex’s in order to bid the project?

A: The site pads are designed to receive the modular buildings. The modular buildings and connecting walkways are to be designed by the modular building vendors.

Adequate requirements have been provided for said vendors to provide bid prices for their respective modular buildings.

47. Please provide a design for the plumbing, ramp, low voltage, electrical, and HVAC for the temporary buildings.

A: This is all to be designed and provided by each respective modular building manufacturer based on the criteria provided.

48. The extent/progress drawing sets for the Modular Building Complex is significantly more advanced than “conceptual and show layouts used for initial planning and phasing” as drawing AG002 states. What is intent/purpose of the Delegated Design instructions reflected in the drawing packages? Is it to just verify the details of drawing sets published and complete the drawing packages by the contractor for construction or is there a potential that the VA will alter the design and undergo a full drawing package revision? If there is a potential for design changes what are areas the VA is exploring to change/revise?

A: We agree the modular building drawings are more advanced than conceptual. The AE design team working with various vendors on the design of the types of modular buildings determined it was necessary to provide this much information to adequately describe the intended functions and design criteria for the General Contractors and vendors to put together a bid for these modular buildings throughout all intended phases of the project.

49. Answer #51 states to swap P-527(Exam Sink) tags with P-528(Break Room Sink) tags. But on the floor plans the sinks per the description seem to be in the correct places. Breakroom Sink(P-528) is in the breakroom, Exam Sink(P-527) is in the exam rooms. Please clarify you want (5) P-528 Breakroom Sinks and (1) P-527 exam Sinks. Only one sink is tagged on the original plans as P-528 and it is in the breakroom.

Answer #51 states to revise P-708 tags to be P-707. But then states to remove P-708 specification description and replace with P-709. Is 708 going to be 707 or is 708 going to be 709? This is very confusing. Please clarify which plumbing fixture you want in which location with the proper specification.

A: Review addendum drawings and specifications.

50. The scope does not mention the removal of medical gas piping that may obstruct the removal of ductwork or plumbing piping. How will this be addressed if removal is necessary? Will the cost be determined on a per-occurrence basis during construction?

A: Drawings indicate piping removal where known.

51. Are there any noise requirements during day work?

A: Refer to Spec 01 57 19 Sub Section 1.5 Part E.

52. When the indicated plumbing piping is removed, how will the floors above, which rely on this piping, be supplied in the interim? What temporary measures will be required?

A: Contractor shall determine all temporary measures required to maintain service to all areas during all phases of the project as noted on plans.

53. The drawings specify a basis of design for the duct silencers; however, no manufacturers are listed for other equipment on drawings MP601, MH605, and MH606.

Can you provide the basis of design manufacturers used for this project?

A: VA projects do not list manufacturers. Major equipment manufacturers were used for basis of design. Drawings also indicate size and weight of units.

54. Were the air handlers designed with seismic requirements in mind, in other words will the air handlers grow size wise if the basis of design manufacturer didn’t select the unit with internal seismic components?

A: Yes, units were designed with IBC certification for seismic.

55. These items are not specified in section 232500. No air separator, no expansion tank and no water fill is addressed in that section. That is the chemical treatment spec which addresses a pot feeder and the associate chemicals along with a side stream filter. No new domestic water piping is shown on any plan which would be required to serve as a fill line for the closed loop. Please provide a drawing or specifications for an air separator, expansion tank and fill line/valve to complete this design. Provide a connection location and size for a domestic water line which should be required for the closed loop.

A: Revise 4” GWR and 4” GWS piping to be 2” GWR and 2” GWS piping as indicated in sketch #1 below. Provide 2-gallon expansion tank, 2” air separator, and manual CW fill point as indicated in sketch#2 below.

Sketch #1:

Sketch #2:

56. I’m a pipe vendor who attended the February 25th walk through at the VA hospital in Poplar Bluff. I came to determine what steps are necessary to submit the general type of pipe I represent (polypropylene) for approval to be listed in the VA spec for future work in my territory. Jerimiah advised me to submit a request in writing to VA engineers in Washington. Duly noted.

I made an inquiry to my fellow reps across the country if anyone had done this. The Chicago rep had a story about a PP-RCT installation at Hines. Polypropylene was preferred by the hospital administration as an anti-legionella measure. A submission to request approval was sent to Washington. It was installed. Four years later it was denied. Subsequently it was approved.

By chance in a conversation with a customer, I was told that PP-R had already been approved for VA work. The spec that is attached is the one I had been working from. I do not see anything referring to pressure rated polypropylene pipe. I remain skeptical and would be grateful for comments from any of you who care to chime in on the following document which does list polypropylene pipe – please see Section 23 05 15 Page 24 / 2.2.7

A. Meet current VA specifications.

57. Trailer Availability

A. Phone contact with multiple vendors of modular buildings and trailers, and in particular the ones we ended up listing for a basis of design in the specifications. They were all aware of the specific project and location of the project, and all helped us with design and specification questions.

58. Spec Section 01 52 13, 2.1 C4:

Three -Plex (General Purpose Modules for Phase 2- Laundry and Phase-3 Clinics and Administration – (3) 11’ -8” x 60’-0” Modules Nominal 36’ x 60’

a) Large open area with an office at one end office capable of four workstations or to operate as a small conference room

CONFLICTS

with Drawing A-103 which shows examinations rooms with sinks at both ends of Three Plex trailers. With the current available information, an acceptable floor plan and associated project costs for Three-Plex Phase 2 and Phase 3 cannot be determined.

Please provide Phase 2 and Phase 3 floor plans and equipment layouts similar to Phase 1 drawings already provided.

A: The floor plan shown on A-103, is the intended floor plan layout of the modular building during both Phase 2 & 3. There is no equipment to layout anticipated in these building during these two phases. The contractor is responsible for moving VA property in and out. Refer to the Equipment drawings sheets QH101 and QH102 under the General Equipment Notes section and QH601.

59. What Laundry equipment from Environmental Management Services will be relocated to the Modular Building Complex during Phase 2?

A: There is no laundry equipment being placed inside the modular building complex.

Only loose furniture. Washing and drying on laundry is being done off site. Only folding and storage of laundry is being performed in the modular building.

60. Who is responsible for reassembling and commissioning this equipment into a fully functional laundry?

A: There is no laundry equipment being placed inside the modular building complex.

The contractor is responsible for moving VA property in and out. Refer to the Equipment drawings sheets QH101 and QH102 under the General Equipment Notes section and

QH601.

61. What is the plan for maintaining laundry service during the Laundry move?

A: Washing and drying on laundry is being done off site. Only folding and storage of laundry is being performed in the modular building.

62. Will the floor plan and associated access routes as shown in A-103 be adequate for moving soiled and cleaned linens to and from the Temporary Laundry?

A: Yes.

63. Will the Laundry equipment to be relocated be under warranty and require the Equipment Vendor to move this laundry equipment?

A: There is no laundry equipment being placed inside the modular building complex.

The contractor is responsible for moving VA property in and out. Refer to the Equipment drawings sheets QH101 and QH102 under the General Equipment Notes section and

QH601.

64. What are the dimensions of each piece of equipment to be relocated?

A: Not applicable.

65. What are the operating weights (for example: washer empty weight plus water plus laundry during wash cycle) of each piece of equipment to be relocated?

A: Not applicable.

66. What are the electrical requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

67. What are the hot water requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

68. What are the cold-water requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

69. What are the HVAC requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

70. What VSO, Pain Clinic, and Women’s Clinic equipment will be relocated to the Modular Building Complex during Phase 3?

A: The contractor is responsible for moving VA property in and out. Refer to the Equipment drawings sheets QH101 and QH102 under the General Equipment Notes section and QH601.

71. Will the VSO, Pain Clinic, and Women’s Clinic equipment to be relocated be under warranty and require the Equipment Vendor to move this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

72. What are the dimensions of each piece of equipment to be relocated?

A: Not applicable.

73. What are the operating weights (for example: washer empty weight plus water plus laundry during wash cycle) of each piece of equipment to be relocated?

A: Not applicable.

74. What are the electrical requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

75. What are the hot water requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

76. What are the cold-water requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

77. What are the HVAC requirements for this equipment?

A: Not applicable.

78. The Four Plex and Covered Walkway and associated ramps Grid Lines 1 to 6 have floor plans that do not change at all through all 4 phases. Correct? If incorrect, please describe changes in detail.

A: Yes, that is correct.

79. The Covered Walkway and associated stairs Grid Lines 6 to 7 floor plan essentially is constant other than the doors on Grid Line 7 may need to move as new trailers for Three Plex are brought in for Phase 2 (replacing Rented Lab Trailers removed at end of Phase 1). Correct? If incorrect, please describe changes in detail.

A: Yes, this is correct. Will also be a change in the openings along grid 7 between phases 3 to 4 to accommodate the dental trailers.

80. The Covered Walkway and associated stairs Grid Lines 6 to 7 floor plan essentially is constant other than the doors on Grid Line 7 may need to move as dental trailers are brought in for Phase 4 (replacing Three Plex Trailers removed at end of Phase 3).

Correct? If incorrect, please describe changes in detail.

A: Yes, this is correct.

81. In general, contractor is responsible for any moving and protecting of equipment, loose furniture, exam tables, and anything else within the project limitations.

A: The contractor is responsible for moving VA property in and out. Refer to the Equipment drawings sheets QH101 and QH102 under the General Equipment Notes section and QH601.

82. Why is Epoxy Immersion Coating on the coils required? This degrades the coil performance.

A: Epoxy coating of the coils is not required.

83. Drawing SF101 - Temp Construction Structural Design Criteria General Notes Extended Spaces

a) Live Load F. Laundry Areas 150psf – Please identify which specific portions of the MBC will fall under these criteria.

A: The layout of the MBC is delegated to the Contractor. Each distinct area should be designed for the applicable live loads at a minimum. The Contractor may choose to design each entire modular building, between grids 2 to 6, to the worst case live load condition. The modules between grids 7 to 10 are predefined for either laboratory or dental use.

b) Live Load G. Mailroom Areas 150psf - Please identify which specific portions of the MBC will fall under these criteria.

A: The layout of the MBC is delegated to the Contractor. Each distinct area should be designed for the applicable live loads at a minimum. See reply above to 83. a).

c) Live Load I. Storage 150psf - Please identify which specific portions of the MBC will fall under these criteria.

A: The layout of the MBC is delegated to the Contractor. Each distinct area should be designed for the applicable live loads at a minimum. See reply above to 83. a).

84. General Note 8 states “All spaces shall be designed for the uniform live loads indicated below in addition to a CONCENTRATED LOAD OF 2000LB, PLACED UPON

ANY SPACE 2.5 FT SQUARE, wherever this load upon an otherwise unloaded floor would produce stresses greater than those caused by the uniform load.”

a) This note appears extremely excessive to be applied to “ALL SPACES”. Please consider reducing, removing or providing a specific location for the applicability of this note.

A: The concentrated load is a requirement of the VA PG18-10 and shall be followed.

b) Please provide a recent Geotechnical Report at or near the MBC Site

A: The VA can provide the available Geotechnical Reports. This report is by SCI

Engineering, Inc., dated July 2022.

85. Section 01 52 13:

a) Part 2.2.b. Construction type is listed is Type IIb – Non-Combustible.

For a non-permanent building intended as swing space, Type V-B without any fire-rated construction meets IBC. Will type V be acceptable?

A: Reference: 2.1, C.2.b. This subarticle to be revised to read: “Construction

Type IIB – Non-Combustible for Connecting Link, and Type V for remainder of

Modular Building and Covered Walkways.”

b) Part 2.5.a. This says that frame and chassis for modular building units require

12’ (nominal) “outrigger with steel wide-flanged beam spacing…”

Outrigger frames require 2x10 floor joists as a structural base for floor deck and all walls. This is not possible with non-combustible buildings with steel wall studs. Please clarify.

A: Reference: 2.1, C.5. Delete subarticles “a” through “e”. Also, revise subarticle “f” to read “Provide vertical tie-down straps on all four corners to meet load requirements.”

c) Part 2.6.d. Fascia is mentioned on the roof.

Modular roof termination detail for a modular building this size will not allow for fascia. Can the fascia requirement be eliminated?

A: Reference: 2.1, C.6. Delete subarticle “d”.

d) Part 2.7.a, b, & d. Transverse (engineered truss) roof. Modular roof type is an attic with rafters and laminated structural mate beams.

We recommend traditional modular roof type with wood columns to support the open areas in the building. Is this acceptable?

A: Reference: 2.1, C.7. Delete subarticle “a” through “e”. Revise “a” to read::

“Structure and roof sheathing to be provided to meet the structural design criteria.” Revise “b” to read: “Roof Hold-Downs: Provide side-wall type hurricane straps.” Renumber “f” and “g” to “c” and “d”.

e) Part 2.8.b. This calls for polyethylene vapor barrier between studs and gyp wallboard.

Though we can attach drywall to steel studs with PE sheeting. It is not a good connection for modular transport. Please give clarification.

A: Reference: 2.1, C.8. Wood stud framing is allowed also, and revised direction given in answer below to question 85, i).

f) Part 2.8.e. This calls for R-30 unfaced batt insulation between rafters and 2”

XPS over top of roof sheathing.

The R-30 insulation cannot be installed with the steel truss roof called out.

Will it be acceptable to remove the XPS and coverboard insulation and roof requirement, as well as the steel truss, to use the standard modular method of insulation in the rafters?

A: Reference: 2.1, C.8.e.1) delete the word “unfaced”.

A: Reference: 2.1, C.8.e.2) delete this article entirely.

g) Part 2.9.a.1. This calls for 2-layer ¾” T&G OSB.

This does meet Type IIb requirements for non-combustibility. Please give clarification.

A: Reference: 2.1, C.9.a.1) Construction Type is changed to Type V, as stated above in answer to 85, a).

h) Part 2.9.b.2. This calls for double layer 5/8” floor decking

Earlier, ¾” decking is specified. Please clarify.

A: Reference: 2.1.C.9.b. Delete subarticles “(1)” and “(2)”.

i) Part 2.10.a. & b. This calls for 6” 18 ga and 8” 16 ga cold-formed metal framing on exterior wall, and 3-5/8” 22 ga studs and 6” 18 ga studs on interior walls.

This is not structurally possible with the floor, roof, and wall finishes being called out. Will 2x6 and 2x4 wood studs be acceptable?

A: Reference: 2.1, C.10.a. Revise subarticle “(1)” to read “6-inch Cold-formed metal framing or wood stud framing.”

A: Reference: 2.1, C.10.b. Revise subarticle “(1)” to read “Unless otherwise noted, interior walls will be constructed with 3-5/8-inch metal studs, or wood stud framing, at 16” O.C. with top and bottom runners.”

A: Reference: 2.1, C.10.b. Revise subarticle “(2)” to read “Plumbing walls 6-inch metal studs, or wood stud framing, at 16” O.C. with top and bottom runners.”

86. Pricing Schedule

a) Should the costs of relocation for all equipment and furniture be included in CLIN 0001a?

A: All cost for the relocation of VA property (such as VA equipment and VA furniture) shall be part of CLIN 0001.

b) Should the costs of site preparations & restorations for the MBC be included in CLIN 0001a?

A: Yes, all cost for site preparations and restorations for the MBC shall be included in CLIN 0001a.