VA Dayton 6S MH Pre-Bid RFIs Response Final.pdf

Pre-Bid RFI Log - Renovate 6 South for Inpatient Mental Health Question Response

Is it the intend for the VA to allow the contractor to build the one ICRA barrier and hand the whole space to the contractor?

Within the sixth floor construction limit line, it is the intent for the contractor to build the barriers shown on the plans and have control of the entire area.

Are we able to remove an exterior to boom material up through? A) The window next to staircase S-4-6. We would be able to park a crane next to row of bollards right outside of new MRI addition and boom straight up.

Penetrations/removal of exterior envelope (window at S 4 6) and crane setup must be submitted for VA approval; no exterior removal or crane operation is permitted without an approved logistics/phasing plan and protection/structural review.

Will the plumbing work taking place on the 5th floor be required to be night shift?

Work hours on the occupied 5th floor will follow project working hours limits in Section 01 00 00 and 01 35 26, expect intrusive plumbing tie ins and noisy work to be scheduled off hours/weekends as directed by the COR.

4 Typically, existing government buildings, campuses, and facilities have specific manufacturers' devices in service for various Division 27 and 28 systems. These are often proprietary and not interchangealbe. Please provide any vendors, contractors, manufacturers, models, series, or other pertinent information for these systems. When a specific contractor, vendor, or service company is required, please provide point-of-contact information. Please provide this info for any systems that shall be a part of this project, including, but not necessarily limited to the following examples: Physical Access Control, Instrusion Detection, Surveillance, Nurse Call, Code Blue, Public Address, Mass Notification, Fire Alarm, and any other Division 27 & 28 proprietary elements. Additionally, please provide the Brand Name Justification and/or Single Source Justification documents for these.

Use the manufacturers and platforms listed in Divisions 27 and 28 (PACS, VSS, fire alarm, nurse call, etc.); coordinate with the VA COR for site specific vendors and points of contact during submittals, no alternates without written VA approval and justification.

5 Page 6 of the solicitation, alternate 7 & alternate 8 appear to be the same, please confirm alternates requested.

Alternate 8 should be "All work in Item I, except remove resin panels and replace with impact-resistant wall covering as shown in drawings."

6 Where is alternate 6 locationed please indicate location area. See 1/AE-900 in day room 6D-141

What are the ICRA/ILSM requirements for working on this floor?

Comply with VA Sections 01 35 26 (Safety, Infection Control) and 01 00 00, including ICRA permit, negative pressure where required, sealed barriers, anterooms, and ILSM measures; classification and controls will be established with VA Infection Control prior to each phase and comply with update or current version ICRA/ILSM requirements

What are the working hours?

Response: Normal work hours are standard VA business hours per Section 01 00 00 unless otherwise directed; any after hours, weekend, or noisy work must be requested in advance and approved by the COR.

How many rooms do we get at a time on the 5th for to make connections.

Room group availability on 5th floor will be determined by VA operations; assume limited, phased access with specific room blocks scheduled through the COR rather than the entire floor at once.

How will the EHRM project affect this project.

Coordinate all low voltage, IT, and equipment impacts with the VA EHRM team through the COR; assume the contractor must protect and maintain all EHRM systems in service and integrate new work per Division 27 and VA IT standards.

What are the requirements for working in rooms that have a negative air system in place?

Maintain or enhance existing negative pressure per 01 35 26 and the ICRA plan; coordinate room shutdowns, temporary HEPA filtration, monitoring, and re certification with VA Infection Control.

12 Is there any asbestos and is there an asbestos or reports for the 5th and

6th floors? No known asbestos. If encountered, it will be a change order.

13 Will the VA provide and hire the commission agent? No 14 Will the Government consider including and Economic Price Adjustment

(EPA) clause to address significant fluctuations in material pricing?

No, this will be awarded as a firm fixed price contract.

15 How soon after contract award does the government anticipate issuing the official notice to proceed?

On or around 4-6 weeks after contract award. This is an estimate only.

16 Will the government provide detail requirements for contractor badging?

Please clarify the PIV process including documentation, background checks, and estimated processing time.

Badging and PIV requirements will follow VA security policy and will be provided to the awardee after contract award; contractor must allow adequate time for processing.

Will the VA provide an area for trailers and laydown?

Yes. Exact location will be determined upon NTP. Area will not be adjacent to the hospital, will not have utilities, and will be approximately 75' x 75'

Will TB screening and testing be a requirement for this project?

Follow Section 01 35 26 and VA medical center policy for employee health; TB screening is required if referenced in that section or by facility policy and will be verified at pre construction.

Please verify the minimum number of on-site personnel that will be required to fulfill the roles of GC superintendent, SSHO, and QCM System Manager.

Provide full time on site superintendent, dedicated SSHO, and QC System Manager in accordance with Sections 01 00 00 and 01 45 00;

dual hatting is only allowed where explicitly permitted and approved by the CO.

Will the VA allow Temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

Temporary use of existing utilities is allowed per 01 00 00/temporary facilities sections, with contractor responsible for metered usage where applicable and subject to VA approval of tie in locations, metering, and protection.

Please provide a drawing of the 5th floor ceilings so we know that the ceilings are working in.

Use architectural/MEP demolition and new work plans (AD 200, PD 100, PL 100, reflected ceiling plans) as the ceiling information; no separate 5th floor RCP is provided beyond the contract documents unless issued by addendum. VA provide available exiting drawing for 5th plan.

What spaces exist on the 7th floor, are there special work hours or noise considersations during construction activities on the 6th flooor, please advise.

Treat the 7th floor as an occupied clinical/support area; noisy and vibration producing work on 6th must comply with 01 00 00 and 01 35 26 limits, with specific restrictions and windows to be coordinated with VA operations at pre construction.

Specification section 02 83 33.13 lead-based paint removal and disposal indicate there is a conditions report, please provide this report.

The referenced conditions report under 02 83 33.13 will be provided by VA if available; until issued, assume lead may be present where that section applies and include compliance/testing per the spec.

24 Solicitation Statement of Bid Items (page 6 of 80) bid items 8 and 9 (alternates 7 and 8) appear to be identical. Please clarify the difference between bid items 8 and 9

Alternate 8 should be "All work in Item I, except remove resin panels and replace with impact-resistant wall covering as shown in drawings."

25 If bid items 8 and 9 are identical, please provide an updated Statement of Bid Items to eliminate duplicate bid items Updated Statement of Bids items will be posted by amendment.

26 Solicitation Statement of Bid Items (page 6 of 80) bid item 8 requests the elimination of tray ceilings in rooms 6D-102, 6D-116, and 6D-138.

Currently, AE-900 shows a hardlid ceiling at the perimeter at 9’7” AFF and MCP-1 ceiling in the field at 10’0” AFF. If Alternate 7 (bid item 8) is accepted and the tray ceiling is eliminated, please clarify what will be constructed in its absence, including the ceiling type and the proposed height.

Where tray ceiling is eliminated per alternate 7, primary ceiling in each space is to extend to walls and be constructed of the type and height indicated on the drawings.

27 Solicitation 36C25026B0023 on Sam.gov included an attachment JA OVER SAT – Chicago Faucets_Redacted.pdf. Despite stating Chicago Faucets in the file name, the actual document attached was for CISCO switches. Please provide the Justification & Approval document for Chicago Faucets or confirm this document is irrelevant.

Correct JA OVER SAT - Chicago Faucets_Redacted will be provided

28 Sam.gov lists the original solicitation for this project under Notice ID 36C25026B0023_1. However, the subsequent Amendment 00001 appears to have been posted as a completely separate Notice ID 36C25026B0023_A00001, which results in a lack of notifications from Sam.gov about any revisions to the solicitation. If possible, can future amendments be posted as updates to the original solicitation instead of being created as new notices altogether, please?

The sam.gov system only allows us to post to the base notice and each document has to have it's own unique ID to post. Future amendments will continue to be posted with that system constraint; bidders are responsible for monitoring both the base notice and related amendments IDs on SAM.gov.

29 GI-102 shows 6 FECs. Please clarify the type and size of fire extinguishers needed on this project.

Use the type and size of fire extinguishers indicated on GI 100. Provide extinguishers per that sheet and the applicable VA fire protection spec (typically 21 13 13), including mounting and signage

30 GI-102 shows wall type T1 (temp wall) at the top of the page (between Sally Port 6C-3 and the existing passenger elevator lobby). However, there’s nothing shown for the temp wall to the West (left) of new Corridor C6-4 (towards the service elevator lobby). Please provide an updated Life & Safety plan that specifies the correct location, type, and quantity of temporary walls required for this project.

See AD-200 indicating permanent partitions to be constructed.

31 AD-200 keynote D18 states to prep existing slab depression for infill.

Field verify all locations. During the jobwalk, we were not allowed to access any of the existing rooms. Please quantify the depth of floor infill at existing showers or specify an allowance for all bidders to include.

Depth of floor infill at existing showers is not quantified. Use the AE 300 legend note for 4 inch slab infill, field verify conditions after demo, and include whatever infill depth is needed to bring the floor up to the surrounding slab per that legend

32 AD-200 keynote D18 states to infill old shower areas. Please confirm that floor infill in these areas will follow the requirements outlined in the specifications section 09 05 16 Surface Preparation for Floor Finishes or provide a detail for floor infill.

Yes, shower area infill follows the floor prep requirements. Provide slab infill and surface preparation in accordance with AE 300 plus 09 05 16 Surface Preparation for Floor Finishes before installing new finishes

33 Specifications section 09 05 16 para 2.2 outlines requirements for cementitious self-leveling underlayment. Please clarify if there are any other areas besides the ones shown by keynote D18 on AD-200 that will require floor leveling, quantify it’s extent (area and depth) or specify an allowance for all bidders to include.

See AE-300 legend for slab infill requirements. Following flooring demolition, all floors to be made sufficiently flat for final floor finishes.

34 Specifications section 09 05 16 para 2.1 outlines moisture remediation coating and para 3.3.A conditions this moisture remediation to areas “where results of relative humidity testing exceed the requirements of the specified flooring manufacturer”. Please clarify the extend of moisture remediation coating or confirm it’s not required considering that this slab is on the 6th floor or specify an allowance for all bidders to include.

Moisture testing is required with slab infill. Appropriate moisture remediation would be determined based on results.

35 AD-200 keynote D19 requires to sawcut/core drill for new shower and trench drain. Please clarify the thickness and construction/composition of the existing suspended slab or provide as-built drawings.

Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Use available as-builts through the COR and field-verify as needed for sawcut / core design.

36 Coring/sawcut outlined in AD-200 keynote D19 will require cleanup and a core catcher on the 5th floor. Moreover, this work will be very noisy.

Please clarify the hours of operations for sawcutting/coring of the concrete deck and any loud work.

Apply the general rules in Sections 01 00 00 and 01 35 26: do noisy/vibration work only in COR approved off hours windows and reflect that in your plan and schedule

37 AD-200 keynote D20 requires GCs to extend existing interior demising walls to deck above as required. During the jobwalk, we were not provided an opportunity to see existing spaces. Please clarify which existing walls are not full height and will need to be extended to deck above or provide an allowance for all bidders to include.

Contractor to verify all existing conditions. Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Contractor is responsible to field-verify which demising walls stop stort of deck and include extension to structure above wherever required by D20 and code; no allowance is provided.

38 Numerous drawings indicate work on the 5th floor (PD-100, PL-100, AD- 200). Please clarify the logistics of working on the 5th floor, including the hours of operation, required ICRA protection for work on 5th floor, the extent of finish protection within existing spaces, if there is any specialized equipment that must be considered (like specialty calibrated medical equipment [like optometry lasers, etc] or bulky equipment [like sound booths, etc]).

5th floor is occupied, so logistics, ICRA classes, work hours, protection, and handling of special equipment must be coordinated with the COR and Infection Control per Sections 01 00 00 and 01 35 26, and included in your plan

39 AE-300 keynote 09 4” slab infill (4,000 PSI NWC). Provide one layer of 6x6-W2.1x2.1 WWF saw cut or tool joint per plan. This keynote is shown roughly at the grid intersection of grid lines 10.7 and G4. However, this keynote is not clearly defined as it does not appear to point to any particular area or the dimensions of this area are not defined. Plus, there’s no detail for floor infill. Please provide the floor infill detail for 4” slab infill to include framing below the slab, dowels, etc. and clarify the size of the opening(s) and quantity of openings to be infilled.

Keynote questioned refers to floor infill in existing room 6D106 that is believed to have been completed as part of a separate project.

Contractor to confirm floor is level and flat. Floor infill per legend on AE- 300.

40 AE-300 Floor Plan Legend shows gray shaded areas that represent 4” slab infill. These areas appear to line up with existing shower locations that are shown on AD-200 by keynote D18. Please clarify if these areas are already depressed 4” and ready for infill or if the GC will need to remove existing concrete to create a 4” infill area and then infill. Please provide appropriate details.

the contractor should verify condition following removal of showers”.

Treat the slab as already depressed by about 4 inches at shower areas, but verify after demo and infill as needed per AE

AE-300 Floor Plan Legend shows a dash/dot line and states that this symbol represents the scope to provide sawcut or tool joint in slab depression infill. The actual symbol is used to show detail reference.

Please provide an updated plan that accurately shows the extent of sawcut or tool joint in slab depression.

Sawcut note references a joint to be made in new concrete infill of existing room 6D106 if not infilled. Ref. item 39 above. It is expected that this infill is currently in place. If it is in place currently, no cut should be made by the contractor. If the infill is not in place, a cut should be made diagonally across room at change in shape. No new global sawcut layout is required beyond this condition

42 Considering an extensive scope associated with 4” slab infills shown by keynote 9 on AE300, please provide existing as-built drawings for existing slab or clarify slab thickness, composition, etc. Areas identified in the construction drawings

43 AE-300 General Note 8 states to core drill or power saw (no jackhammering) for mechanical scope. Please clarify if x-ray or GPR will be required.

VA practice and Section 01 35 26 imply that scanning is required wherever coring risks structure or utilities plan GPR scanning by default unless VA later directs otherwise.

44 As per AE-300, please clarify if GPR will be sufficient method for scanning existing structure before coring/sawcutting existing concrete slab or if X-ray must be used.

GPR is an acceptable minimum scanning method for slab penetrations unless structural design or the COR requires X ray in specific locations

AE-300 General Note 11 states to patch and level for new flooring at areas where existing flooring has been removed. Please clarify the extent of leveling required on this project.

Patch and level flooring as necessary per the contract documents and VA requirements”. That means you must include all patching/leveling needed after demo to meet floor finish manufacturers’ tolerances; there is no limited allowance

46 AE-300 General Note 13 states to use cementitious backer board for ceramic tile. Please confirm this includes brick veneer.

Yes, cementitious backer board is required for adhered masonry.

47 AE-301 keynote 10 shows a new dryer duct to be installed penetrating existing exterior wall (also shown by keynote 23 on MH-100). Please clarify the composition of the building exterior wall including the structure and exterior finish. The exterior walls are brick.

AE-301 shows new TVs to be OFCI (M0512). Please confirm the VA will provide appropriate TV mounts for GC to install.

Standard VA practice is that OFCI TVs often come with owner furnished mounts; however here you should assume VA provides TVs only and include appropriate compatible mounts in your base bid unless an addendum states otherwise

49 AE-302 does not show MAS-1 on the North wall in 6D-138, but alternate 5 (bid item 6) requests to remove stone veneer and electric fireplace.

Please confirm base bid needs to include stone veneer and a fireplace at North wall of 6D-138

MAS-1 and fireplace are shown in 6D-138 on sheet AE-800 drawing 13.

Inlcude stone veneer and fireplace in base bid.

50 AE-302 does not show new flooring in corridor C6-4 even though AE-300 shows to build new walls for Corridor C6-4. Please confirm no new flooring at Corridor C6-4 or provide updated finished plan showing the extent and type of new flooring.

New flooring is not required in room C6-4 other than P&M as needed, reflected in the finish schedule on sheet AE-700

51 There are conflicting notes. Please confirm there are 2 electric fire places on this project: one in Women’s Lounge 6D-138 and one in Sitting 6D-140

2 electric fireplaces are in the project. Both would be removed with deduct alternate 5.

52 Specifications section 28 13 00 para 2.2.1.a states PACS SMS on this project is CCURE 9000 whereas Justification & Approval for PACS states Honeywell only. Please clarify.

PACS platform is the one identified in Section 28 13 00 (CCURE 9000) unless a formal addendum ties you to Honeywell; any conflict with the PACS J&A must be resolved by VA in writing

If PACS has to be Honeywell, please clarify which Honeywell system is currently onsite or required to be included as part of this bid.

If VA later confirms Honeywell only or change to another brand , coordinate the exact platform and version with VA security during submittals; for bidding, price to the platform named in Division 28 plus necessary integration with existing hardware

54 Please clarify if the medical gas certification is required for the plumbing scope to cap existing med gas (shown by keynote 1 on PD-102)

Med gas certification is required

55 Please confirm that the use of Takeform signage details on AE-1001 are merely shown for reference, and signs from any manufacturer will be acceptable as long as they meet the performance specifications. Takeform is the preferred manufacturer.

56 Specifications 10 14 00 para 2.5. A requires signs to conform to the VA Signage Design Guide. However, AE-1001 shows anti-ligature signage.

Those are entirely different signage standards. Please confirm that anti-ligature requirement supersedes information outlined in the VA Signage Design Guide.

Anti-ligature signage is required in all patient accessible areas. This requirement supercedes design guide information.

57 Drawing PD-102 shows demo of the existing Med Gas lines. I don’t see a drawing that shows a new med gas system going into this area. Is that by design?

There are no new med gases. Only demolition/capping of existing medical gas is included in this area; no new med gas distribution is being installed

58 Drawing PJ-100 General Note #19 refers to Isometrics for the Sanitary and Vent system. Are these isometrics going to be issued in an addendum?

Sanitary isometrics will not be issued. Pipe sizes are indicated on plans. Contractor to request additional sizes if needed, 59 Specifications section 09 06 00 shows WSF-3 as Paradigm II by Mannington. Mannington’s maintenance instructions show Initial Maintenance to include sweeping and mopping the floor, whereas routine maintenance is showing two options: no polish, no buff and Alternative Maintenance Option that includes a polish option or spray buff option.

Specifications section 09 65 16 para 3.6.D states to perform initial maintenance according to flooring manufacturer’s instruction. Please confirm routine maintenance of new flooring will be performed by VA’s janitorial staff.

Perform initial cleaning following the manufacturers installation instructions and maintenance guide. Coordinate with VA for routine maintence start. VA janitorial staff will take over routine maintenance after va to benefical occupanency

60 This project requires the installation of new flooring. Will the flooring need to be buffed and waxed by the cleaner providing the clean-up, or will that be done by VA’s in-house janitorial team?

Do not wax any new flooring on project. Perform initial cleaning following manufacturer's written instructions for each flooring product.

Buff as needed.

What is the plan for getting materials to and from the 5th and 6th floor?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

Will there be a dedicated laydown area for materials on site?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

63 Will the GC or owner be providing temporary bathroom facilities and/or a break area? GC.

Will there be space for a job trailer?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

The 5th floor will be occupied during construction. Is there a plan for being able to perform the demo and new plumbing work on this floor?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

The rerouting of the plumbing from the 5th floor to the 6th will require new core holes to be drilled into the concrete. Do you require any restrictions as far as infectious control, dust, noise, etc. this will create?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

Getting material to the 6th floor in this hospital will be time consuming.

Does VA have any preliminary plans for staging materials?

Coordinate with VA COR. logistics are constrained: limited laydown, use of existing elevators at COR approved times, and detailed ICRA and phasing requirements to be established in the pre construction conference; include time and effort for close coordination in your plan

68 During the site walk, the VA mentioned that all materials and tools must be removed from the site at the end of each working day. Does this mean that no job box can be kept onsite and no materials can be staged for the next day's work?

Given previous COR comments, you should plan that tools and materials not stored in a secured, COR approved gang box or room will need to be removed daily; expect strict limits on leaving materials in patient accessible areas 69 Spec section 22 40 00-5 (2.6 CARRIERS). This section on carriers refers to only wall hung carriers. Spec section 22 40 00 -6 (2.7 B) the section for the P-114 (Bariatric Water closet) calls out an “extra heavy-duty carrier”. This is a floor mounted back outlet water closet which is uncommon to see a standard carrier let alone a bariatric style carrier. If this is correct, please provide a basis of design for this carrier.

No carrier required for P-114, refer to "Plumbing Fixture Schedule".

70 Is there a steel framing plan for the deck above to figure out sprinkler supports? If not, please provide as-built drawings showing the existing steel structure.

Steel framing information for sprinkler supports: Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Use VA structural as builts to design hangers and bracing as required by NFPA 13 and VA specs.

Please clarify the logistics of getting the fire sprinkler piping (approximately 11’ long) up to the 6th floor.

Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Use VA structural as builts to design hangers and bracing as required by NFPA 13 and VA specs.

Is there a service elevator available? What are the dimensions of this elevator?

existing elevator is available but limited in size and hours; verify car dimensions and capacity with facility engineering at pre construction and plan for pipe spooling if needed

Please clarify working hours for this project.

Normal work hours are standard VA business hours per Section 01 00 00 unless otherwise directed

74 Is there an existing as-built drawing for fire pump and stamp pipe and supply main to 6th floor?

Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Expect that VA will provide whatever existing life safety drawings are available

Will there be any drilling of concrete anchors allowed for hanger materials?

Drilling anchors into concrete for hangers is allowed where shown, provided you follow structural and fire rating rules and avoid reinforcing and embedded items verified via scanning

76 Could you please confirm the specific manufacturer and model series required for the cameras on the proposed surveillance system? or what comparable manufactures are acceptable

Use Avigilon as the required VSS camera platform; substitutions must comply with VA security standards and be approved in writing

78 Which Physical Access Control System (PACS) platform has been designated for this project? or what comparable manufactures are acceptable

Provide the PACS system specified in Section 28 13 00 as the base platform; comparable manufacturers are not allowed without

VA

approved substitution 79 Could you clarify the division of responsibility regarding the Door Position

Switches (DPS) and Request-to-Exit (RTE) hardware? Will this be provided by Div 8 or Div 28 contractor?

REX motion sensor device by Div 28. DPS by Division 28.

80 Drawing PJ-100 Plumbing Fixture Schedule. Can you please provide a bases of design for P-940-DA?

Manufacturer and model number indicated in "Plumbing Fixture Schedule"

What is the concrete thickness of the 6th floor?

Coordinate with VA COR to view existing drawings. Confirm thickness from structural as builts and field verification before coring/sawcutting

82 Is scanning required prior to core drilling new openings for the plumbing reroute? Scanning is mentioned in other spec sections but is not specifically called out in the plumbing specs.

Scanning is recommended to ensure no structural elements or utilities are embedded in concrete

83 Please confirm electronic bid delivery is not allowed for this solicitation and all bids need to be sent via courier or delivered in person. Electronic bid delivery is NOT allowed per the solicitation

84 Would the VA be able to host a virtual bid opening via a conference call or a Teams meeting?

Information will be posted the virtual bid opening. Electronic bid delivery is NOT allowed per the solicitation.

85 Please confirm that the GC and subcontractors do not have to remove their tools and materials on daily basis from inside the construction space.

Daily removal of tools/materials have no explicit answers in the extracted portion and be prepared to remove tools/materials daily unless you negotiate a secure on floor storage solution with the COR

Please clarify if it would be acceptable to remove the existing window and install a trash chute with a dumpster on the ground level for debris disposal.

Trash chute via existing window, VA typically requires a formal logistics and protection plan plus structural/envelope review before allowing window removal and chutes; do not assume it’s accepted without written approval.

Referencing page 447 E. Section 08 44 13, Will an alternate aluminum window and blind system to Wausau Windows be acceptable that use the same integrated blind system and meet the same requirements?

Substitutions of equivalent product would be acceptable. The contractor would have to provide full documentation to confirm compliance with all VA mental health requirements and acceptance is contingent on full documentation and VA review. If the product is not equvalant or does not meet any of the requirements it would not be acceptable.

Please confirm the allowable days and working hours for access to the 5th Floor rooms for selective plumbing demolition and installation activities.

Treat these as operational issues to be coordinated with the COR and nursing leadership at pre con; assume limited daytime access, required temporary relocations managed by VA, and shutdowns confined to tightly controlled off hour windows

If occupied patient rooms are included within the work area, please clarify the process and responsible party for coordinating temporary patient relocation during demolition and installation work.

Treat these as operational issues to be coordinated with the COR and nursing leadership at pre con; assume limited daytime access, required temporary relocations managed by VA, and shutdowns confined to tightly controlled off hour windows

Please advise if there are approved off-hours or designated time windows for domestic water and sanitary shutdowns associated with this scope of work.

Treat these as operational issues to be coordinated with the COR and nursing leadership at pre con; assume limited daytime access, required temporary relocations managed by VA, and shutdowns confined to tightly controlled off hour windows 91 During the pre-bid meeting, it was stated that all tools and materials must be removed from the site daily and returned to an off-site staging area.

Please confirm if this requirement is mandatory, or if contractors may utilize a secured gang box or designated storage area on the 6th Floor for daily operations.

plan for secure, COR approved gang boxes or interior storage rooms, or else daily removal of tools/materials, consistent with VA safety and anti ligature policies

92 There appears to be a few duct sizes missing. Please provide missing duct sizes.

Contractor specify which duct sizes are missing. Refer to plan note G on sheet MH-100

When we looked up into the ceiling there were HAZARD symbols on some pieces of equipment. Can you please clarify what these are and why they are classified hazardous?

Hazard symbols in ceiling and the current temperature controls contractor have no answers in the excerpt. Coordinate with VA engineering at pre con; assume hazard labeled equipment may involve radiation, high voltage, or other regulated systems, and do not disturb until cleared by VA

94 Who is the Temperature Controls contractor on-site? VA performs temperature controls in house.

95 We would like to request substitutions for the manufacturers listed in section 09 06 00 of the specification. All requested substitutions are equivalent of the specified manufacturer. 09 06 00, 2.5 D Section 08 44 13 Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls, we request a substitution to allow YKK YHS 50 FI as an approved manufacturer for the interior curtain wall.

Substitutions of equivalent product would be acceptable. The contractor would have to provide full documentation to confirm compliance with all VA mental health requirements. The proposed product does not appear to meet the requirements, therefore would not be acceptable.

09 06 00, 2.5 E Section 08 51 13 Aluminum Windows, we request a substitution to allow Winco Series 8800 Retrofit Behavioral Care Window as an approved manufacturer for the Aluminum Windows.

Substitutions of equivalent product would be acceptable. The contractor would have to provide full documentation to confirm compliance with all VA mental health requirements. If the product is not equvalant or does not meet any of the requirements it would not be acceptable.

09 06 00, 2.5 F Section 08 56 19 Pass Window, we request a substitution to allow Total Security Solutions as an approved manufacturer for the Pass Window.

Substitutions of equivalent product would be acceptable. The contractor would have to provide full documentation to confirm compliance with all VA mental health requirements. If the product is not equvalant or does not meet any of the requirements it would not be acceptable.

09 06 00, 2.5 G Section 08 80 OO Glazing, we request a substitution to allow Oldcastle glass as an approved manufacturer for the Glazing.

Substitutions of equivalent product would be acceptable. The contractor would have to provide full documentation to confirm compliance with all VA mental health requirements. If the product is not equvalant or does not meet any of the requirements it would not be acceptable.

99 Please clarify if the existing sprinkler coverage has upright protection above the ceiling and/or if it is required.

Contractor to field verify existing conditions

100 During the construction, existing ceilings will be removed, but the sprinkler heads will remain (temporarily) pointing down. Please confirm that existing sprinklers do not need to be turned upright temporarily until the proposed ceilings are installed at the appropriate height and sprinkler heads adjusted.

During renovation a temporary system utilizing the existing system with the use of upright heads to fully protect area during construction

101 Drawing ED-100, Coded Note 8 states to remove equipment racks. This room was unavailable to get into during the walk-through. How many racks need to be removed? Is there any horizontal cabling that needs to be relocated to the new TR location? If so, approximately how many cables need to be relocated?

Exact count of racks, relocated horizontal cabling, and fiber strands are not answered in the excerpt. You must field verify during construction and coordinate with VA IT/COR. existing backbone must be maintained live and extended or re terminated to the new TR, with sufficient slack or splicing as needed

Drawing ED-100, Coded Note 8 states to relocate the existing fiber backbone and bonding backbone. How many strands of fiber will need to be re-terminated in the new TR?

Exact count of racks, relocated horizontal cabling, and fiber strands are not answered in the excerpt. You must field verify during construction and coordinate with VA IT/COR. existing backbone must be maintained live and extended or re terminated to the new TR, with sufficient slack or splicing as needed

What is the intended use of the Streaming Audio System shown on EK- 103? Will every room be able to have their own music or will the same music be streamed to each room?

System intent is to connect Owner's streaming service to patient areas as shown. Each room should be able to stream unique content. The streaming audio system is per-room controllable, not just a single program source.

104 Is this project tax-exempt? Awardee may request a tax exempt form.

105 Page ET-100, Coded note# 4 states "existing fiber optic backbone and telecom bonding backbone serving the existing 6th floor telecom room are coiled in ceiling. Contractor shall rework to new telecom room rack and busbar". QUESTION: During site walk-thru area was still occupied with fiber optic cable still in use. It did not appear sufficient length of fiber is available to re-route to new telecom closet (6D-106) Can length sufficient length be confirmed?

fiber length must be confirmed in the field and by coordination with VA IT requirements

106 Specification section 28 21 13, 2.1 24 a-d, Is there an existing Avigilon VSS server already in production at the site? Specs do not specifically call out an NVR/Server.

Yes – there is an existing Avigilon VSS server already in production at the site. New cameras will tie into that head end rather than adding a new NVR.

107 Specification section 28 21 13, 2.1 24 a-d, If the system is existing, is there available storage capacity for camera additions?

Yes, there is available storage capacity for camera additions. If requried coordinate with COR and VA requirement will apply

Is there an existing Access Control system or is this an addition?

Access control system is existing. Project will provide new door controllers as required to support new doors. This is an expansion of the existing PACS, not a standlone new system.

Is there a TAA compliance requirement for AV equipment?

FAR 52.225-11, Buy American-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements and FAR 52.225-12, Notice of Buy American Requirement- Construction Materials under Trade Agreements (Alternate II) are both included in this solicitation and applies to construction materials for this project. Offerors are responsible for ensuring that any AV equipment or components furnished as construction materials comply with the Buy American and Trade Agreements requirements, unless a specific exception or waiver is granted in writing by the Government.

110 EK-103, Is there a specification that can be provided for the owner-furnished TV’s in going the Quiet, Women’s Lounge, Day Room, Exercise, and (2) Conference Rooms? https://www.pdiarm.com/hospitaltvs

111 EK-103, What make/model and qty of music sources shall be provided for the add-alternate analog audio system configuration?

The governemnt does not have a preference on make/model of audio system.

112 EJ-100, The systems legend does not explicity define the difference in functionality between the ‘P’ and ‘S’ speaker types. From the plans it appears that ‘P’ are for the paging/mass notification system and ‘S’ are for the music system. Please confirm.

This is correct.

27 25 23 – 4, The AV control system specifications are dated 2015.

Please confirm if Crestron and Extron are still approved manufacturers.

Yes – Crestron and Extron remain approved manufacturers under Section 27 25 23 despite 2015 spec dates. You may base your AV control design on either manufacturer.

114 27 25 23 – 4, AV part numbers specified are long obsolete. Can substitutions be proposed at the discretion of the bidder according to the approved manufacturers above?

Provide manufacturer-recommended replacement equipment for all obsolete models. Replacement equipment must have equal or better functionality as the specified equipment.

115 27 51 24 – 3, Vandal-resistant/anti-ligature in-ceiling speaker options are limited. Can wall-mounted speaker types be used in patient rooms instead?

“No” to using wall mounted types instead of vandal resistant in ceiling speakers in patient rooms. You must provide ligature resistant, tamper resistant in ceiling speaker solutions that meet the spec 116 CCTV, What brand of camera is being installed? Avigilon 117 CCTV, Are we providing the equipment or is the customer? Contractor provides cameras. Headend is existing.

118 CCTV, Does the customer need camera licenses? Yes, per system notes and details.

119 CCTV, How many runs are needed? Refer to contract plans.

120 CCTV, Where is the home run location of the camera lines? Technology room.

121 CCTV, Will the customer be providing network equipment for the cameras?

Headend equipment is existing.

PACS, Please confirm the total number of doors.

PACS door quantity: See contract documents. You must count all PACS equipped openings on the drawings for your bid

123 PACS, What is the brand/model of access control? Avigilon ACC 124 PACS, What is the home run location for the access control? Technology room.

125 PACS, Do we have the option to use single door PoE controllers above every door VS home-ran multi-door controllers?.

“No”. Single door PoE controllers over each door are not allowed; use the home run multi door controller architecture shown in the documents.

126 IDS, Total number of each type of device, for example door contacts, motion detectors, glass break detectors, keypads.

Refer to contract plans.

IDS, Where is the home run location for the devices?

Home run IDS cabling to the intrusion control panel or security/telecom room indicated on the drawings, coordinated with VA security for final head end location.

128 IDS, What brand of system are we integrating with? Bosch Intrusion System is tied to Avigilon Security System 129 Page EY-100 Shows a FACP in room 6D-154. Is the VA requiring a Fire alarm control panel for this room, or is the drawing indicating that this will be the room that will need a new power supply for the notification devices for this floor.

This FACP is existing to remain, denoted with the 'X' below the symbol and tag. Any additional power supplies required to be determined by licensed fire alarm designer based on notification device quantity on floor.

Page EY-100 Shows a FAAP in room 6D-144, will this annunciator be required for the floor?

Yes; provide the annunciator in room 6D 144 as shown so that the 6th floor fire alarm status is visible from the nurse station in accordance with NFPA 72 and Division 28.

131 Will a Fire alarm submittal package be required for this project? if so, will the VA provide all as built fire alarm drawings for the building, with battery calculations and circuit information?

Fire alarm design to be provided as a defered submittal. As builts, battery calcs, etc. to be provided by licensed fire alarm designer.

132 Will there be any new duct smoke detectors that will be installed for this project?

No duct detectors are required, based on the mechanical scope of work.

133 Specifications section 08 14 00 call out for a premium grade plain sliced walnut with a Wilsonart stain 7965K Walnut Heights, however that's not a stain - it is a PLAM. I will need to know what finish they will be wanting - They have -12 softGrain (standard), -38 fine velvet texture, or -60 Matte.

Doors to be stained to match Wilsonart Walnut Heights. Samples required for VA and architect review.

Specifications section 01 00 00 para 1.2.D states testing laboratory retained by Department of Veterans Affairs. Please clarify if testing laboratory will be retained by VA or GC.

As stated, primary testing laboratory services are retained by VA; the contractor shall coordinate scheduling and access and provide any contractor required tests separately at its own expense.

135 Please clarify if pre-demolition (pre-alteration) test and balance of HVAC system will be required on this project.

Contractor to pre-test existing supply air ductwork at coded note #2 on sheet MD100

136 Specifications section 01 00 00 para 1.3.A mentions roofing and grading as part of the base bid. Please confirm this is a generic description and roofing and grading do not apply on this project.

New roofing and site grading are not anticipated to be part of this project. Any necessary roof penetrations shall comply with specifications.

Specification section 01 00 00 para 1.3.I lists resin panels removal as an alternate (bid item) which is in conflict with the solicitation. Please clarify.

Treat resin panel removal as described in the solicitation bid schedule;

any conflicting generic reference in 01 00 00 is superseded by the Statement of Bid Items and architectural drawings.

Will the Government accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

The contract requires use of a web based project management system meeting Section 01 31 00 (e.g., Primavera Submittal Exchange or equivalent); Procore may be used in addition if it does not replace or conflict with the VA specified platform.

Will the Government accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Yes; a CPM schedule prepared and maintained in Primavera P6 is acceptable so long as it meets all requirements of Section 01 32 16.15 and exported formats requested by VA.

140 Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates? A tax exempt form may be requested by the awardee from the CO.

141 Because of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. and the resulting Federal, State, and local Governments’ responses/requirements, are there any new work requirements or mandates that will be required by the Government on this project?

Follow the current VA, federal, state, and local infection control and vaccination/testing requirements in effect at the time of construction, coordinated through Section 01 35 26; any changes in mandates will be communicated by VA.

142 Many Government campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on the Government campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the number of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award. Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB-required protocols, and will it be required to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

Yes; comply with TB screening requirements in Section 01 35 26, including any 90 day pre assignment screening or testing required by facility policy for personnel working in patient care areas

143 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

On or around 4-6 weeks after contract award. This is an estimation only.

For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

The award date depends on procurement processing and is not fixed in the documents; bidders should base schedules on the contractual performance period starting from NTP rather than a specific calendar award date.

How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for the Government and A/E to review and respond to RFIs?

Allow a minimum of 10–14 calendar days for government/A E RFI review and response in the CPM schedule, consistent with VA practice and 01 32 16.15 guidance for review activities.

How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for Government and A/E submittal review?

Provide a minimum of 20 workdays for VA/A E submittal review as noted in 01 32 16.15 and 01 33 23, unless otherwise agreed for specific critical submittals.

147 Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format for the creation of coordination drawings and use by the contractor?

If a Revit model exists, VA may provide it in a view only or limited use format; contractors should not assume the full native design model will be provided unless specifically stated.

Please confirm that the project scope will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

The project is intended to be completed primarily during normal working hours; however, certain disruptive activities (shutdowns, loud work) will be scheduled off hours as required by VA operations.

How many site visits do Government consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the Government have a designated MEP representative available on site?

VA and A/E consultants will perform periodic MEP/site visits as needed;

a specific minimum number is not guaranteed, but VA will assign an operations/MEP representative for coordination during construction.

150 Can you confirm that the Government will be contracting directly with a third-party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent?

Yes; VA will contract directly with a third party Commissioning Authority;

the contractor shall include only participation, testing support, access, and corrective actions per Section 01 91 13.

151 Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, it is critical that the contractor's project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work. Can the Government provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

There is NO contractor…