Updated RFI Set 2.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 19 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- Not on record
About this file
This is a Request for Information (RFI) responses document containing 66 questions and answers related to the Interventional Radiology Suites renovation project at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility. The document addresses clarifications on commissioning responsibilities, project phasing, ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) requirements, mechanical and electrical systems, flooring specifications, and construction logistics.
Key clarifications include: the Architect Engineer will provide commissioning services; the contractor has discretion on phasing with the exception that Surgical Pathology must be completed within two months; ICRA containment can utilize zip-walls, plastic sheeting, and STARC panels for Category B and above areas; basement ceiling work must occur after-hours or weekends; temporary sprinkler coverage is required when ACT ceilings are removed; flooring slab moisture testing is included in the base bid with remediation work as change orders if needed; the chiller installation may use either cranes or helicopters at the contractor's discretion if the crane plan is acceptable to the VA; and temporary HVAC coordination is the contractor's responsibility to maintain service during phased demolition and tie-ins. The document confirms the facility's Building Automation System is Siemens (Desigo), existing building systems (nurse call, fire alarm, security, CCTV, and access control) are managed by VA staff, and all doors are typically factory primed and painted. The proposal due date has been extended to May 1, 2026, with a hypothetical project start date of June 15, 2026. The contract includes liquidated damages of $768.96 per day, which commence when the contractor exceeds the committed completion date.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 36C24826R0038 0006 Additional RFIs.pdf | ||
| Drawings 573-18-602 Replace AHU 2.pdf | ||
| updated RFI 2.pdf | ||
| updated RFI 3.pdf | ||
| Site Visit 03-06-2026.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
RFIs
| RFI # | Question | Response | |
| 1 | This is the first project the contractor has seen where the commission spec requires the contractor to high er the commission agent , generally the VA hi res the commission agent and the Contractor provides a commissioning manager to work with the CxA. Can t he VA provide an explanation for why the Contractor is re sponsible for hiring th e commission ing agent on this particular project, especially since there is several major owner pro vided equipment being installed? | The Architect Engineer (AE) will provide commissioning services. | |
| 2 | Can the Superintendent be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during | ||
| commissioning? | N/A | ||
| 3 | Has this funding request been approved and full funding for this project available to the NCO station? | Funding will be requested at the time of construction contract award. | |
| 4 | Will all of the above ceiling work on the basement level have to be performed at night or on weekends ? | It is expected that the above ceiling work in SPS will need to be performed after hours or weekends | |
| 5 | What will the ICRA requirements be for performing this work above ceiling in the basement area? Hepa Carts or floor to ceiling wall barriers with negative air pressure inside? | Floor to ceiling wall barriers or Hepa Carts | |
| 6 | If temporary walls are required there is not a window in the area to vent the negative air outside, is there another means of venting air from the space to achieve the negative pressure required ? | If an outside air connection is not available, the contractor may connect HEPA filtered air to exahust grille | |
| 7 | The new work area on the First Floor does not have any exterior walls with windows to allow Negative Air venting . What means can the contractor use to vent the negative air to meet the ICRA requirements? | If an outside air connection is not available, the contractor may connect HEPA filtered air to exahust grille | |
| 8 | How many phases does the VA plan for their to be in this project? | The VA does not have a phase number requirement. The contractor should plan for the adequate number of phases to accomplish the contract | |
| 9 | Will each phase have to be fully completed before moving to the next or can some phases be completed simultaneously? | The VA does not dictate which phases can/need to be performed concurrently. This is up to the contractor's discretion. There is, however a requirement for the Surgical Pathology room renovation to be expedited and occur within a two month period. | |
| 10 | In ICRA areas that require Category B Level 1 or 2 , can we use zip -walls or plastic sheeting as containment? | Yes this is acceptable | |
| 11 | In any ICRA areas that require above Category B containment, can plastic wall panels be used for the ICRA walls, such as STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System’s panels? | Yes this is acceptable | |
| 12 | Will temporary sprinklers be required during demolition ? | When ACT ceilings are removed, provide temporary upright heads or pendant drops to maintain coverage | |
| 13 | Will the contractor be required to turn the existing sprinkler heads up during construction once the ceiling is removed? | When ACT ceilings are removed, provide temporary upright heads or pendant drops to maintain coverage | |
| 14 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Nurse Call System | The facility does not have a contract with a company to service the nurse call system. It is handled by VA staff. | |
| 15 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Fire Alarm System | The facility does not have a contract with a company to service the fire alarm system. It is handled by VA staff. | |
| 16 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Security and Access | ||
| Control System? | The facility does not have a contract with a company to service the access control system. It is handled by VA staff. | ||
| 17 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current CCTV System? | The facility does not have a contract with a company to service the CCTV system. It is handled by VA staff. | |
| 18 | Is there a RTLS system in this area such as Centrak? | No | |
| 19 | If so please provide contact name and phone number for who services the RTLS system ? | No | |
| 20 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current HVAC Controls? | N/A | |
| 21 | Who is the manufacturer of the current Building Automation System ? | Siemens (Desigo system) | |
| 22 | Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Building Automation System ? | Siemens | |
| 23 | Who is the existing signage contractor for this VA? | Follow VA TIL Standards for signage requirements | |
| 24 | Are doors to be factory finished or field finished? | Doors andd frames are typically factory primed and painted. | |
| 25 | Can the VA provide installation manuals or cut sheets for the Owner Furnished Contractor Installed items ? | Cut sheets provided | |
| 26 | What is the VA ’s plan for getting the new machines up to the first floor and into the work area? | Unsure what "machines" this question is referencing. Large shipments are anticipated to be delivered using the loading dock specified during the site walk and presentation and brought to 1st floor using the service elevator. For Contractor specified large shipments that disturb patient/staff/visitor operations, submit rigging/logistics plan showing path, protection, and timing compliant with SOW (after‑hours if operations are impacted). | |
| 27 | What is the height from finished floor to bottom of deck in the basement area below the Work Area ? | Field verify | |
| 28 | What is the height from finished floor to bottom of deck on the first floor in the Work Area | Field verify | |
| 29 | Will the VA have the space entirely cleared out before the contractor begins construction? | The VA is actively working on clearing out the space with the goal to provide a completely cleared space prior to construction award. Contractor is not responsible for moving or storing equipment in space other than what is shown on contract documents. | |
| 30 | Will the contractor be required to move any of the existing furniture or equipment? | No | |
| 31 | If the contractor is responsible for moving the existing furniture, will storage be available from the VA for the furniture, equipment, or casework? | N/A | |
| 32 | Is there any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and moisture remediation will be needed? | We are not aware of any slab moisture issues. | |
| 33 | Have other areas on this floor needed moisture remediation on the concrete slab in past projects ? | We are not aware of any slab remediation in past projects at this facility. | |
| 34 | Per spec 09 05 16 Section 3.3.A specifies the use of a moisture remediation coating only when the results of ASTM F2170 relative humidity testing exceed the requirements of the flooring manufacturer. Similarly, pH and moisture testing are outlined in Section 3.2.G –H. Can you confirm that moisture remediation coatings, pH neutralization treatments, or other corrective measures included in this specification are only required if slab test results are unsatisfactory? | Per 1.1 (A) the spec only applies when test results are unsatisfactory for the products to be installed. | |
| 35 | Specification Section 09 05 16 includes detailed descriptions and product requirements for both moisture remediation systems (Section 2.1) and underlayments (Section 2.2), yet it is unclear whether these items are part of the base bid or only applicable if testing shows deficiencies. | ||
| Please clarify is the intent that all floor slab testing is to be included in the base bid, and any required remedial treatment (e.g., moisture remediation coating or underlayment) would be added by change order/modification if needed, based on test results? | Per 1.1 (A) the spec only applies when test results are unsatisfactory for the products to be installed. Testing to be included in base bid. Any required remedial work would have to be handled via change order. | ||
| 36 | The specification 09 05 16 calls out multiple tests ASTM F1869, F2170, and pH testing. Which of these test are required in our base bid price ? | Tests should be preformed according to spec 09 05 16 section 3.2 and finish flooring manufacturers' requirements. | |
| 37 | Without knowing the actual moisture or pH conditions of the concrete prior to bid, there is significant risk in trying to price products like moisture remediation coatings (epoxy vapor barriers, etc.), cementitious self -leveling underlayment, or trowel -applied patches . Including these without confirmation could lead to either inflated pricing or post -award cost disputes. Thus, under FAR principles of clarity in solicitation documents and equitable risk distribution please provide clear direction on what is to be included in our base bid for subsurface preparation ? |
a. Moisture Testing only?
| b. An assumed squar e foota ge allowance price for all bidding contractors to carry in order for fair bidding? | Moisture testing only. | ||
| 38 | Will the vertical duct support shown on S203 receive any type of architectural finish? | Treat exposed vertical duct supports as architectural elements, prime/paint to match adjacent exterior finish. Provide submittal with coating system. | |
| 39 | Will the VA confirm that the Plumbing Gravity demolition shown on the Basement Plan on Sheet PD111 is above the ceiling and not below the slab of the Basement? | Assume above ceiling demolition unless noted on demolition sheets. | |
| 40 | What type of ceilings is in the Areas shown on PD 111 Basement Plan – Plumbing Gravity – Demolition ? | Ceilings shown on PD111 include a mix of hard gypsum ceilings and drop ceilings with ACT. | |
| 41 | Are the areas shown in the Basement Plan detail on PD111 closed during the weekends, which would allow free and clear access for the contractor? | No, the areas shown on PD111 must be coordinated with the VA. These areas include Sterile Processing Service (SPS) which is normally occupied during normal business hours. Weekend or overtime work outside normal business hours will be necessary to work in this area. | |
| 42 | Sheet MD101 Note 9 states to protect the existing ductless split system that is mounted at 8 ’0” AFF. Since there is a new door being installed under this split system, can the VA confirm that the bottom of the split system is at 8 ’0” AFF and therefore a doorway will fit underneath or is the center or the unit measured at 8 ’0” AFF and the refore will have to be moved up on the wall? | Existing ductless split is mounted at approximately ±8'-0" A.F.F. to center of unit, with bottom of unit at approximately ±7'-6" A.F.F. The AE does not anticipate the unit needing to be moved up, but cannot be guaranteed based on contractor means and methods. | |
| 43 | Sheet EL101 shows 6 new A2 light fixtures on circuit 1D.N. P1-19 in Surgical Pathology ; however on sheet E801 circuit 19 in Panel 1D.N.P1 is Lighting Corridor C366, which I assume is somewhere on the 3rd Floor. Please provide clarification? | Corridor C366 is on this floor near the patient recovery rooms. This circuit does serve multiple areas such as Surgical Pathology, Clean Supply, and Corridor C366. | |
| 44 | Note 11 on the Air Cooled Chiller Schedule states that the chiller cannot be placed using a crane and must be air lifted using a helicopter. Please confirm this is true and specific to this project and was not included by accident from a previous project? | ||
| a. The cost difference of a crane lift and helicopter lift is substantial, please provide a firm, clear answer as to which one is required? | It was discussed during design that other equipment (AHU's, etc.) installed in the same area of the hospital roof could not be safely craned onto the roof and required a helicopter to place. AE does not specifically take exceptions to use of cranes if the contractor's crane plan is acceptable to the VA, however, VA / AE reserves the right to reject crane plans if deemed unsafe. | ||
| 45 | Will HVAC piping run between the 4th floor roof enclosure and 2nd Floor roof enclosure be run on the exterior or interior of the building? Will pipe insulation be required? | Per MP103, all piping between the 2nd floor roof enclosure and 4th floor roof enclosure is exterior of the building. All piping within the 2nd floor mechanical enclosure, and 4th floor open air mechanical enclosure are exterior and shall be insulated and protected as required per the specifications for exterior piping. | |
| 46 | Are either the 6th floor roof or 2nd floor roof still under warranty? If so please provide the name of the contractor that installed the roofs? | No | |
| 47 | The mechanical drawings are not clear on which equipment will require new concrete housekeeping pads. Will the VA please provide a list of the equipment that will require new concrete housekeeping pads? | Per MH102, coded notes 6 and 13, the AHU is to be mounted on a steel frame. Per MP103, chiller is to be supported from structural steel framing. Other equipment requiring housekeeping pads includes the HWP's, CHWP's, 1-ET-2-2, and 1-BT-2-1. Contractor means and methods of installation of other mechanical equipment and whether or not to provide housekeeping pads. | |
| 48 | There are a couple of notes in the Mechanical drawings that reference project 573-18-602. Please provide a scope of work for what this project is and provide any drawings for reference that are available? | Project 573-18-602 is "Replace AHU-2" project. Scope involves AHU and ductwork renovation within building 1 of Malcom Randall VAMC. Scope orinally included renovation in project area of Interventional Radiology project however this has been descoped and deconflicted with project. Project 573-18-602 design drawings included in RFI responses. | |
| 49 | Note 1 on Sheet MD10 2 requires the removal of radiant panels and piping. Can the VA confirm if these panels and piping are overhead or if they are in the floor slab? | Radiant heat panels are located in/above ceiling | |
| 50 | Note 6 on Sheet MD101 tates to remove ductwork up to that point. Can the VA confirm that rooms D338 A -1 (CT Scan -3), D338 C -1 (X-Ray Diagnostic 2), and D335 A -1 (Supply) will not be affected by our removal and capping of ductwork at note 6? | ||
| a. If this is not the case please confirm how the contractor is to handle continuing to supply air to these areas? | To the best of the AE's knowledge, rooms D338A‑1 (CT Scan 3), D338C‑1 (X‑Ray Diagnostic 2), D335A‑1 (Supply) are all fed from a different AHU system as part of VA project 573-18-602 as referenced by Drawing note 6. The AE cannot guarantee that removal of existing supply/return/etc. ductwork adjacent to these existing areas will not affect the airflow, however, it is anticipated that any removal of ductwork will increase the available airflow to these spaces. Contractor shall coordinate with the VA for shutdowns and associated work with these systems so that the VA can monitor airflows and make necessary adjustments to existing to remain systems. | ||
| 51 | Detail 7 on Sheet P501 show the Gas Cylinder Storage requirement. Is there a basis of design for this storage unit or will this have to be custom fabricated? Does it need to be painted ? | Manifold shall be an extension of the existing system, confirm existing manufacturer with the VA COR. It is assumed it does not need to be painted, contractor shall confirm with VA COR. | |
| 52 | Will any overhead piping, conduit or duct work require to be painted? | Refer to 09 91 00 Painting and applicable piping, conduit, and ductwork specifications for requirements of painting. | |
| 53 | Will any mechanical piping running between the Chiller to AHU or Heat Exchangers to AHU be required to be painted or stenciled? | Refer to 09 91 00 Painting and applicable piping, conduit, and ductwork specifications for requirements of painting and stencilling/labeling. Note there are separate requirements for equipment identification in 23 05 11. | |
| 54 | Will the VA provide a detail for how the new steel columns and curb bases need to be temporrily flashed-in for continuous waterproofing during construction? Details 10/S201 & 13/S201 lack this information. | Temporary waterproofing of items on the roof or penetrating the roof is for the GC to resolve. This falls under means and methods. | |
| 55 | The current specifications reference a Bio -Safety Cabinet; however, additional information is required in order to properly identify and price the equipment. There are multiple models and sizes available, and the specifications do not clearly indicate which model is required or what accessories should be included. Please provide clarification on the required Bio-Safety Cabinet model, size, and any associated accessories or configuration requirements ? | Cut sheets provided for Bio Safety cabinet. Contractor to provide cabinet that meets this requirement. | |
| 56 | In the previous RFIs , RFI #5 stated the contractor was responsible for Terminal cleaning. What does the VA mean by terminal cleaning? | Terminal cleaning of clinical spaces prior to occupancy will be by VA; contractor shall maintain daily construction cleanliness and provide pre‑terminal cleaning per Infection Control. | |
| 57 | In the previous RFIs, RFI #126 Previous RFIs, specifically RFI #126, indicated that the |
contractor may be required to provide temporary HVAC to occupied areas. However, no phasing plan has been provided to identify which areas will be impacted by the demolition of existing HVAC systems or the duration of those impacts. Without a defined phasing plan, the contractor cannot reasonably determine which spaces will require temporary conditioning, the duration of the requirement, or the amount of temporary HVAC capacity that would be necessary. Providing temporary HVAC to occupied areas can represent a significant cost to the project. Therefore, the VA must provide clarification regarding:
a. Whether temporary HVAC will be required.
b. The specific areas that will be affected.
c. The anticipated duration of temporary HVAC requirements.
d. The required temporary HVAC capacity (including tonnage or equivalent performance criteria).
The determination of temporary HVAC requirements associated with demolition and phased system outages is a design and coordination responsibility of the Designer of Record , not a contractor means -and-methods issue.
| Temporary HVAC maybe required where demolition or tie-ins disrupt service to existing spaces. To the best of the AE's knowledge the only system demolition/rework that will affect areas outside of the scope of work is the large exhaust ductwork run shown on MD101 and MH101. Per coded note 7 on MH101, the contractor is to construct new exhaust ductwork to the furthest extent prior to removal of existing ductwork and tie-in to existing ductwork to minimize shutdown. Contractor is to coordinate with the VA the duration and timing of this shutdown. Additionally, the contractor is to coordinate with VA for the latest drawings and as-built conditions related to VA project 573-18-602 as the project was still in construction during design of this project and ductwork modifications were still being. Means and methods applies to the Contractor's allowance to install temporary ductwork, demolish the existing, and then install new ductwork, as long as services are maintained. | ||
| 58 | Spec section 08 08 00 part 2.4 refers to Blast resistant glazing. Please clarify where blast resistant glazing is required? | No blast resistant glazing is required. |
| 59 | Please specify the maximum blast rating that will be required for the glazing? | No blast resistant glazing is required. |
| 60 | Spec section 08 08 00 part 1.5 refers to Bullet resistant glazing. Please clarify where bullet resistant glazing is required? | No blast resistant glazing is required. |
| 61 | Please specify the maximum bullet resistance rating that will be required for the glazing? | No blast resistant glazing is required. |
| 62 | Factor 4 of the proposal is a draft projec t schedule. Please provide a hypothetical start date for the contractors to use for their draft schedules? | June 15th, 2026 |
| 63 | Draft schedules will be somewhat based on the contractors understanding of the project ; however, the contractors need to know some sense of how the project needs to be phased. Will all of the above ceiling demo in the basement be performed first , then demo the first floor, then build back the surgical pathology and lounge to completion, then perform the work on the roof while the floor underneath is demoed so if any water intrusion happens it wont affect any new finishes, then install all of the new work above ceiling in the basement area , and lastly finish out the first floor radiology suites? If this is not the correct sequence please provide some guidance on the correct sequence the VA would like? | The project phasing sequence is a contractor means and method task. The contractor must submit a phasing plan that meets the contract documetns including, but not limited to, the scope of work phasing requirements, drawing sheet notes regarding surgical pathology and OR lounge timeline, and any previous RFI responses regarding project phasing. |
| 64 | Part 1 of Factor 4 states for the contractor to provide written commitment within which the Offeror will guarantee completion. |
a. Does this project have liquidated damages?
b. If so, will these LD ’s start when the contractor surpasses the number of days from their commitment?
c. If no LD ’s, what is the purpose of this comm itment, is it an evaluation factor where one contractor may get a more favorable rating if they provide a commitment of completion that is shorter than other contractor?
| d. IF this is the case and there is not LD ’s what is to stop a contractor from promising an unachievable delivery date just for a more favorable rating since there is no penalty for not achieving the commitment date? | a. | Yes the contract has liquidated damages in the amount of $768.96/day | |
| b. | Yes | ||
| c. | N/A | ||
| d. | N/A | ||
| 65 | Will the VA send out the site visit sign in sheet for the second site vis it? | Yes it has been included in the RFI responses | |
| 66 | Can the bid date for the project be extended to provide more time for contractors? | The due date for proposals is extended to 05/01/2026 | |
| 67 | Can a second round of RFIs be submitted once the initial RFI answers are provided as usually these answers call for more clarifications in most cases ? | This is the second round of RFI’s. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .