VA701-17-R-0071-00004001.pdf

VA701‐17‐R‐0071 DES MOINES CONSTRUCT PARKING GARAGE TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 10-20-2017 11/07/2017 Please confirm that testing will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Per spec section 01 00 00 "General Requirements" (in the Project Manual revised on September 07, 2017) the contractor is responsible for all testing.

2. 10-20-2017 11/07/2017 Who is responsible for Commissioning? See 1.9 & 1.10 in spec section 01 91 00 "General Commissioning Requirements" for the responsibilities of the VA and the Contractor(s).

3. 10-20-2017 11/07/2017 Is there any Government Furnished Property (GFP) in this project?

No.

4. 10-24-2017 11/07/2017 We have a question concerning the soil report for the project:

Section 1.10 Physical Data of the General Requirements portion of the Specifications states that a soil report was completed for the project and is available for inspection by bidders upon request. Since this soil report is considered part of the contract documents, would you please post it to the FBO site for bidders to download?

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

5. 10-24-2017 11/07/2017 We have a question regarding elevations:

It appears that Building Level 01 elevation of 100.0 is approximately equal to site elevation 139.0, but I have been unable to find anywhere in the plans to confirm that correlation. Please provide the site elevation that is equivalent to Building Elevation 100.0.

Per "General Plan Note 1" (on sheets A0101, A0102, A0103, & A0104), the elevation of Level 01 is noted as 100'-0" in the documents which is equal to the actual elevation of 139'-0".

6. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Is there a phasing requirement for each area? No.

7. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Hazardous materials

Is a ACM/lead survey available?

No.

8. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Hazardous materials Is ACM or lead expected to be encountered in any of the project areas?

No ACM/lead materials are expected to be encountered in any of the project areas.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

9. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Hazardous materials If ACM or lead is encountered in any of the project areas, will it be treated as a change of condition?

Yes, any encounter of ACM/lead materials will be treated as a change of condition.

10. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 VA TRIGIGA CPMS (01 00 00)

How many user licenses will the government require to be purchased?

Tririga is not required for this project. The language will be removed from the specifications

11. 10-25-2017 11/22/2017 Can the superintendent also serve as the SSHO? The SSHO must be a separate person from the superindentent.

Additionally, the superintendent and SSHO may NOT be assigned to other construction projects.

12. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Operation and maintenance training requirements (01 91 00 3.8 C.5.a) Please confirm that it is the government's intention that the contractor engage in the production of a compilation of personnel training videos?

Yes

13. 10-25-2017 11/07/2017 Operation and Maintenance Requirements (01 91 00 3.8 C.5.a) Will a competent employee of the contractor be acceptable to produce the training videos, if required?

Training videos will be produced by professionally recording the on-site training provided to VA CIH Maintenance personnel prior to closeout.

14. 10-26-2017 10-27-2017 Since most of the VA projects we have completed in the last few years have been assessed and reported by the VA contracting officers on CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System) can we use these performance reviews in lieu of a PPQ? The information provided is very similar if not identical.

Yes, the information can be provided directly from CPARS.

15. 10/31/2017 11/15/2017 Should the schedule be submitted as a pdf or in MS Project?

Review the instructions for Evaluation Factor 2 Project Execution in ATTACHMENT 1 – SECTION 00 11 21 RFP Spec.

16. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 Are there crane height limitations? There are nearby existing trees to remain that need to be accounted for (RE: demolition plan on C0001).

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

17. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 When will the required tree watering begin and end?

New trees shall be watered every day for the first 2 weeks after planting and then once every week until fall dormancy begins.

18. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 Is there an existing irrigation system in place?

If so where and is there a spec (size of lines, type of heads, # of heads, tie-in point)

No.

19. 10/31/2017 11/10/2017 Will 2” water tie-in on 4” ductile iron be a live tap? Yes.

20. 10/31/2017 11/26/2017 Is the intention that we start the work in March after frost is out of the ground?

Yes, notice to proceed will be issued in the Spring (between February and April) at a date mutually acceptable to the government and contractor.

21. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 Red Cross Drive is the designated contractor access road and per the contract will be returned to the VA in like condition however the road may not survive the duration of construction. Will the contractor be required to repair the road and to what degree of repair is the expectation given existing conditions?

The contractor will be responsible for maintaining the road in a condition that allows regular, private vehicle traffic to drive without hazard. Ruts or damaged sections of pavement created by construction traffic will be repaired or patched by the contractor. After project completion, the VA will resurface this road with another construction project.

22. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 Will parking along Red Cross Drive be suspended during construction?

Parking will be suspended in areas around the project entrance. To accommodate large deliveries, parking between 30th St and the project entrance may be suspended temporarily. These closures will require a minimum of 48 hours written notice to the government.

Parking west of the project entrance will remain open and reserved for VA personnel.

23. 10/31/2017 11/02/2017 In response to the Past Performance Questionnaire, can we submit projects that are rated under CPARS (CPARS is not listed as an option in the RFP documents)?

CPARS is where the evaluations are rated and PPIRS is where the CO will find the projects that were rated in CPARS. Please provide the projects that are in PPIRS/CPARS if available. If a project is not in PPIRS/CPARS, please provide the PPQ.

24. 10/31/2017 11/22/2017 Will existing 18” drainage line from the upper parking lot be cleaned out / serviced prior to construction?

This structure has been inspected and found to not require cleaning at this time. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring that flow is unobstructed from intake to discharge before the project is accepted.

25. 10/31/2017 11/10/2017 Is there a place to tie into for electrical power to the trailer?

Refer to “construction site management” note 8 on sheet C0008

26. 10/31/2017 11/10/2017 Is there a geotechnical report available to the contractor prior to bid?

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

27. 10/31/2017 11/01/2017 Do you know if it will have cameras, access control or parking gates to control access?

Yes, there are elements that can be found in the solicitation posted on FBO..

28. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Geotech report Please provide a Geotech report for this project

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

29. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Structural underpinning Will reinforcement be required for the vertical connection between 4’ lifts of concrete fill?

If so, please structural details for this connection.

No, it is concrete fill per 19/S0302. Please note the concrete is to be placed under the entire existing retaining wall footing in the locations indicated on the structural plan with shoring provided as required.

30. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Underpinning placements Is there a limit on how many underpinning sections can be opened up at one time?

Or can all of the respective sections (IE. Section 1 placements) be opened up simultaneously?

There is no limit provided that all #1 placements are completed before moving on to placement #2 and subsequently placement #3 per 19/S0302.

31. 11/01/2017 11/22/2017 Underpinning shoring Will Sacrificial shoring be allowed to remain in place permanently as part of the underpinning placements?

Sacrificial shoring will be allowed on this project, provided that the contractor present a plan that accounts for future maintenance / replacement of adjacent infrastructure for the VA to review and approve. All comments will be addressed and resolved by the contractor prior to commencement of excavation.

32. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Sealant Will sealant be required between double T connections?

Only T to wall connections are shown on the architectural drawings. Please provide drawing detail.

Yes – sealant will be required between all double T connections

33. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Elevator flooring The plans and specifications do not call out the flooring for the elevator, please clarify

Rubber flooring – Specification section added in Addendum 1. See Amendment 00003, attachment Addendum 1 – 11-10-2017.

34. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Elevator lobby The plans and specifications do not call out the flooring for the elevator lobby area, please clarify what the flooring is in this area.

Elevator lobby floors to be sealed concrete

35. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Shoring What are the anticipated loads on the shoring of the existing retaining wall?

Per Specification Section 31 20 00 Earthwork – Structural, Part 3.2, Excavation, all shoring design is the responsibility of the contractor.

36. 11/01/2017 11/22/2016 As built Please provide an as- built of existing retaining walls, including elevations and footing details/dimensions?

As-Builds provided in amendment 00004., see attached - Plans Record Dwgs - C27 10-714 - 04- 16-2012.

37. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Precast concrete The plans and specifications do not clearly call out the color of the precast. The statement of work states that it is natural gray concrete, however the specifications do not list a color in the finish schedule. It has been left blank.

Please verify that the precast is natural concrete gray

The precast is to be natural concrete gray (no color additive).

38. 11/01/2017 11/10/2017 Precast finish Please clarify what finish is required (if any) for the exterior exposed precast concrete.

As‐Cast (form finish).

39. 11/02/2017 11/22/2017 Section 01 00 00 – 8: Security Guards – This can add a good amount of cost to the project. Was this the original intent to have full time security guards during off hours and during weekends when project staff is not on site?

Security guards will not be required for any portion of this project.

40. 11/02/2017 11/22/2017 Is a commercial photographer required or can the contractor take progress pictures if the contractor is experienced with project photo documentation?

The contractor will not be required to produce photographic documentation of this project.

41. 11/02/2017 11/10/2017 Section 01 00 00 – 2 (pg 12 of the pdf project specs) refers to a “neutral concrete colored precast structure….” Please provide clarification on color scheme, if required.

The cast in place and precast concrete to be natural concrete gray (no color additive).

42. 11/07/2017 11/17/2017 Plan sheet C0001, Demo Note 10, calls for stumps to be ground in place. Will it be permissible to remove trees and stumps instead of grinding them in place?

Some of the trees are substantial in size, but yes they can be removed in their entirety by removing the stumps.

43. 11/07/2017 11/22/2017 Plan sheet C0001, Demo Note 10, calls for much to be saved and used for landscaping. If the VA intends to keep mulch for grinding, how much material should be saved and where all should it be stockpiled?

Do not retain mulch from removed trees for landscaping. Mulch used for landscaping must be treated against rot and fungal growth. Contractor to supply mulch in whatever quantities necessary for landscaping shown on plans.

44. 11/07/2017 11/22/2017 Plan sheet C0001 shows trees to be removed. Will the VA mark the trees to be removed (paint/ribbon)?

The VA is willing to assist in marking trees but final responsibility for verifying location and quantity to be removed rests with the contractor.

45. 11/07/2017 11/17/2017 Plan Sheet P102, between gridlines K & L, just west of gridline 6, refers to a 4” water with an I.E. 77.50 with a reference to connection on the civil plans (south end of the structure). Civil plans, C0003, references the water tie in at the north end of the building but shows nothing on the south end (per plan P102). Per plan C0003, there is a 4” water shown under the SW running along the west side of the retaining wall (hospital side) but no elevation provided for pipe or reference to details for this tie-in on the back side of the wall, assuming that the intent was to tie into the existing 4” shown under the SW (estimated top of walk is +/- 140.50 in this general area). Also, the 4” stub out from the south end of the structure is approx.

20’ to the north of the proposed southerly vehicular bridge which would have an existing retaining wall cut out for the bridge installation. Please provide clarification/details on the proposed 4” tie-in to the existing 4” watermain located on the backside (hospital side) of the retaining wall, under the sidewalk.

On P0102 the 4” W leaving the building refers to waste piping and not water piping. The 4” waste is picked up on civil C0003 plan at the about column K location. The water entry which is noted as CW on P0102 correlates to the location at the north on civil plan C0003 noted as W.

46. 11/07/2017 11/17/2017 Plan sheet, A0314, details 1 & 2 references the new fence along both the proposed north and south bridges. There is also a note referencing project spec 32 31 40 which addresses new fence construction. Is there a spec available for the existing decorative fence along the top of the existing retaining wall? Is there a fence tie-in detail for new to old fence connection (ie: brackets, corner posts, etc)?

The new and existing fence are meant to match in style and member sizing. It is expected that the joint between the new and existing fence will allow for less than a 4” gap (spacing consistent with detail) with each fence terminating independently. Information regarding the existing fence should be available via the reply to question 36.

47. 11/07/2017 11/17/2017 Plan sheet, C0001, calls for the removal and salvage of the existing “disk golf” structures/units and return to the Owner. Is there a concrete base on these structures?

Yes

48. 11/07/2017 11/08/2017 Given the complexity of this project, the need to coordinate with all associated trades to investigate the work, plans, site, etc., the need to have critical RFI’s submitted by key trades and the RFP submission date being a few weeks out, November 21st, we are respectfully requesting that the RFI submission deadline be extended from Wednesday, November 8th to Friday, November 17th, 2017. Please advise.

The date was questions will not be formally extended. However, please submit any questions that come up. The VA will review and try to respond to as many as possible.

49. 11/08/2017 1/17/2017 The site has a pretty restrictive access drive. Please provide to us logistical maps on how it was anticipated getting 60+ foot long double tees and panels into the site with limited truck turns and the drive only 20’ wide. What other means can we utilized to access the site?

Logistics for delivering material is the responsibility of the contractor. Deviations beyond what is noted in the drawings will need to be presented and reviewed with the VA.

50. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 01 00 00 1.5 C. 3 need to provide a camera system to monitor. Please define what they expect this camera system to be, webcam, CCTV, etc. How many cameras are expected?

This requirement is not for cameras but rather a system for recording security guard rounds throughout the site. However, private security guards will not be required for this project so this system will not be required either.

51. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide soils report. The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

52. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide greater detail on anchorage system of wire mesh screening to precast and CIP structures.

As this screen is non-proprietary, different manufacturers may have slightly varying means to attach the screen. The design intent for the various conditions are described on sheet A0451.

53. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide specification for fall protection (roof tie off anchor points) systems as shown in details.

Specification included in Addendum #2, , see Amendment 00004.

54. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide the locations of the architectural mesh screen without the perforated metal panel overlaid on it as shown on the drawings. Need to get exact locations, not just a note with an area pointer that is hidden behind the visual of the perforated metal panels on the drawings.

The Architectural mesh in the areas behind the metal panels is only present if the metal panel option (option A) is not included in the final scope. In that instance, in addition to the areas shown in the elevations, it is in the locations as described and detailed (above barrier cables / concrete walls extended up as illustrated on A0314 from column to column).

55. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Will 10' tees out of a 12' bed be acceptable? The stem spacing would be 4'-6'-4'-6' and so on.

Per Drawings and General Notes, precast sizes shown on plan are for scope / info only. Precast contractor is responsible for their final design.

56. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 They mention 3" pretopped 32" tees. Can they clarify if they want a 32" tee with an additional 3" making a 5" deck? A supplier has tees that are 28" (2" deck) and add 3" to that.

See response to #55.

57. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Detail 9 on S0326 calls for a 10,000-pound point load. We typically see this bumper load at 6 kips?

Please follow detail.

58. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Detail 8 on S0313 note calls for pretopped Hollow Core slabs. Design notes also call for all precast to be pretopped. Hollowcore slabs are not furnished pretopped and will need to be field applied by the site concrete contractor. Please confirm.

Confirmed. GC to coordinate.

59. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Ramp skew at grids 3 & F are showing a 44LB32 beam spanning the full bay width of 61’ and provides the bearing for the double tee’s. A typical precast beam will require 1” of depth for each 1’ of span and we do not see any way of making a beam of this size work for this application. This will need to be reviewed as a deeper beam will impact your 8’6” clear height requirement.

See response to #55. However, minimum clearance of 8’-6” must be maintained

60. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Is there design flexibility transfer beams/proscenium beams? Would a 7-10 foot deep 12” solid proscenium beam (example) be allowed?

See response to #55

61. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Will a meeting with the designer be allowed to address concerns and potential design issues that a precaster would have?

Not prior to bidding. Issues to be raised in writing and submitted via RFI.

62. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Fixture EBU1 is shown on the electrical drawings but is not listed on the lighting fixture schedule. Please advise fixture catalog number.

EDU1 shall be a self-contained stand emergency battery unit. The fixture shall be one of the Dual- Lite – LM series, Sure-Lite – XR Series, Emergi- Lite – Series.

63. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 On sheet T051 Keyed Note #4 doesn’t state a conduit size? Please advise a size.

There should be (2) 2” conduits shall be routed along the designated path.

64. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 On sheet E0051 the duct bank from the new 500KVA transformer to the new switchboard GBSWBDN1 states 2A/1B 4”C. However on the electrical one line diagram on detail 1 sheet E0521 states the feeder from the 500KVA transformer to the switchboard feeder callout is for 3-3” C. Please advise the size and quantity of conduits we are supposed to use for this run.

There should be (4) 4” conduits going through that duct bank it should be a 2A/2B. Two conduits to be filled with parallel conductors of 500kcmil with the adequate grounding electrode and two spare conduits.

65. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Detail F7 on sheet TY501 we see two conduits run vertical down from the camera bracket. One appears to be for data, and the other appears to be for power.

However we don’t see on the E or TY plans a power circuit for these cameras. Do we need to include one?

The power supply that is shown is part of the surge protection system so that the cameras are not affecting by lightning.

66. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 There are concerns that the designated route of the temporary construction access road will be too steep a grade for the precast double T panel delivery trucks. If the trucks cannot access the site via the designated routing, what is the alternative access routing?

Logistics for delivering material is the responsibility of the contractor. Deviations beyond what is noted in the drawings will need to be presented and reviewed with the VA.

67. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 The specifications include section 07 18 13 – Pedestrian Traffic Coatings. This type of product does not appear to be referenced in the plans, nor does the specification outline where the product is to be used. Please clarify where this product is to be used.

The Pedestrian Traffic Coating specification section is for an elastomeric coating on the non-enclosed parking area at Level A just above Electrical Room B04 on Level B (per the note on plan 1/A0103).

68. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 This question is regarding the use of projects to be referenced that are at 95% or better with completion. These projects are of significant value, complexity, etc. for the VA and we have been provided a CPARS Rating (posted by the Owner). Can we use these most recent projects as project references?

Please provide projects that are completed only, per the evaluation instruections.

69. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Is there a flow rate available for the existing 18” storm and what all is tied into this drain system?

Since it is a storm sewer, the flow is weather dependent. An 18” flowing full at the existing slope can convey approximately 25 cfs. The exact tributary area is not known, but it includes the parking lot on the north side of the hospital entrance and probably a small portion of the building where downspouts generate flow tributary to the parking lot. There do not appear to be any upstream connections so it is picking up flow solely from overland sources, which will mitigate the flow somewhat.

70. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 Specification Section 31 20 00 and Drawing S0302 prescribes sequencing for underpinning of the existing retaining wall, and also indicates that the Contractor is responsible for the design. Please provide as-builts of the existing retaining wall that the Contractor can determine existing wall stability during installation of the underpinning pits, and during excavation for the new parking structure foundations.

As-Builds provided in amendment 00004., see attached - Plans Record Dwgs - C27 10-714 - 04- 16-2012.

71. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Specification Section 31 20 00 Section 3.3.A.4 indicates the tip elevation of the underpinning pits shall be a minimum of 3 feet below the adjacent excavation elevation. Please clarify what elevation is being referring to here? Is this the bottom elevation of the new parking structure foundations? Do the underpinning depths shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B and S0102.A include this additional footage?

Please follow the minimum depths to be verified in field as provided on the plans shown on S0101.B and S0102.A, and S0302.

72. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 What is the purpose of the underpinning shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B, S0102.A and described in Specification Section 31 20 00?

Existing foundation bearing location is too close and too high to new construction footing bearing elevation and location.

73. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Is the purpose of the underpinning shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B, S0102.A and described in Specification Section 31 20 00 for temporary support of the wall during excavation for the new parking structure footings?

See response to #72

74. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide the complete Geotechnical Report that is referenced in Specification Section 01 00 00 Section 1.10 and Drawing S0001 Note F4 so that the Contractors can design the required underpinning or earth retention system necessary to install the new parking structure foundations.

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

75. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Drawings S0101.B and S0102.A defines the lateral extent of the underpinning. Please confirm that the Contractors are not required to determine the final lateral extent of the underpinning, and that additional underpinning, beyond what is shown on Drawings S0101.B and S0102.A, is not required.

The lateral extent shall be verified in the field.

76. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 Please provide the logs/drawings that are referenced in Specification Section 01 00 00 Section 1.10.B.

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

77. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide the loads that are required to be transferred from the existing retaining wall to the indicated concrete underpinning, and to the soil below the underpinning, within the limits of the underpinning locations indicated on Drawings S0101.B and S0102.A.

See response to #35.

78. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 Concrete Floor Finishes It is not clear in the plans and specifications what finish is required for the parking garage floors. Are parking garage concrete floors to be sealed concrete? If so please provide a finish schedule.

The following spaces/rooms are to have their concrete floors sealed:

Elevator Lobby 101 Stair 101S (including the stair treads & risers) Wheel Chair Alcove 102 Elevator Control Room 103 Stair 102S (including the stair treads & risers) Elevator Lobby A01 Stair A01S (including the stair treads & risers) Wheel Chair Alcove A02 Comm. Room A03 Stair A02S (including the stair treads & risers) Elevator Lobby B01 Stair B01S (including the stair treads & risers) Wheel Chair Alcove B02 Water Entry Room B03 Electrical Entry Room B04 Stair B02S (including the stair treads & risers) Stair C02S (including the stair treads & risers) Corridor C01 Sump Room C02

All other exposed parking areas, drives, bridges, etc. are not to be sealed.

79. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings Please provide a finish schedule for pedestrian traffic coatings.

The Pedestrian Traffic Coating specification section is for an elastomeric coating on the non-enclosed parking area at Level A just above Electrical Room B04 on Level B (per the note on plan 1/A0103).

80. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 Please identify all the locations where the specified traffic coating is to be applied.

The Pedestrian Traffic Coating specification section is for an elastomeric coating on the non-enclosed parking area at Level A just above Electrical Room B04 on Level B (per the note on plan 1/A0103).

81. 11/08/2017 11/20/2017 What are the floor finishes in other areas; lobbies, ped.

bridge, mechanical rooms, etc.?

See response to question 78.

82. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 What are the floor finishes for the stairs/risers? See response to question 78.

83. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Are there specifications for the line striping and joints? See specification section Pavement Markings 32

17 23.

84. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Foundation note F3

Please confirm that the foundation note F3 listed on sheet S0001 is regarding the new foundation footings only and not the underpinning footing.

No, F3 applies to all foundations.

85. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning Are each of the underpinning sections intended to be poured against native soil, or will they required to be formed on all sides?

No, it is not required.

86. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning Will any reinforcement be required horizontally between placement sections? Or are they independent as shown on detail 19 sheet S0302?

See response to 29. Please note that the design of the underpinning system is the responsibility of the contractor per Specification Section 31 20 00 Part 3.3A.

87. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning reinforcement No reinforcement is shown on detail 19 sheet S0302.

Please confirm what is required.

See response to #86

88. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning excavation depth Please confirm that the depths shown for excavation of the underpinning sections as shown on sheets S0101.B and S0102.A are the actual depths required to reach suitable soil.

The bearing depth elevation shall be verified in field

89. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Geo Tech Engineer The specification in section 31 20 00 list that The Contractor is required to hire a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to provide inspection of excavations and soil/groundwater conditions throughout construction.

Will a Competent person employed by the contractor be sufficient to meet this requirement?

No, follow the specifications

90. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning Spec section 31 20 00 states the following width of 4 ft per each section, however the detail on sheet detail 19 sheet S0302 shows 3ft width max. Please clarify which is correct.

Follow the 4’-0” width that is called out on S0101A and S0101B and the Specifications. The plan 4’-0” width on S0101A and S0101B supersedes the typical detail 19/S0302 of 3’-0” width max.

91. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Underpinning

3.3 2. For underpinning pits, underpin existing wall foundations by excavating 1200 mm (4 feet) wide pits to depth shown on drawings skipping 3 sections at any one time so as to maintain support for wall at all times.

There is no question.

92. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Elevator Sheet A0504, detail #4, it says jamb mounted lantern, the elevator contractor cannot mount the lantern in the frame as this would compromise the fire rating of the frame.

We would need to mount a vertical lantern in the rough opening. Please confirm if this is acceptable.

This is acceptable, provided it is submitted and coordinated prior to production and review of any submittals or shop drawings of adjacent construction.

93. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Elevator The elevator specification calls for the elevator to travel at a rate of 350fpm, that is not possible with the short amount of travel for these elevators, 150fpm is the most used speed for a 3 stop application. Please verify that 150 fpm is acceptable.

150 fpm is acceptable. This will be addressed in Addendum #2, see Amendment 00004.

94. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 Availability and Use of Utility Services (01 00 00 1.18) Please confirm if the contractor will be required to meter and pay for electrical or water utilities used in construction of this project.

Electrical and water utilities will be provided for contractor to use at no cost. However, the contractor will be responsible for any costs of connecting to water or electrical systems and restoring those systems to preconstruction condition prior to closeout.

95. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 Construction Security Requirements (01 00 00 1.5 C.1-2) The specifications call for unarmed guards to be provided by the contractor. This will add substantial cost to this project. Please confirm if the contractor will be required to provide unarmed guards at the construction site or if construction fencing will be sufficient.

See question 39

96. 11/08/2017 11/22/2017 Construction Security Requirements (01 00 00 1.5 C.3) Please confirm if the contractor will be required to install construction security surveillance cameras for this project during construction.

See question 50

97. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Specification Section 31 20 00 and Drawing S0302 prescribes sequencing for underpinning of the existing retaining wall, and also indicates that the Contractor is responsible for the design. Please provide as-builts of the existing retaining wall that the Contractor can determine existing wall stability during installation of the underpinning pits, and during excavation for the new parking structure foundations.

See response to #70

98. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Specification Section 31 20 00 Section 3.3.A.4 indicates the tip elevation of the underpinning pits shall be a minimum of 3 feet below the adjacent excavation elevation. Please clarify what elevation is being referring to here? Is this the bottom elevation of the new parking structure foundations? Do the underpinning depths shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B and S0102.A include this additional footage?

See response to #71.

99. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 What is the purpose of the underpinning shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B, S0102.A and described in Specification Section 31 20 00?

See response to #72.

100. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Is the purpose of the underpinning shown on Drawings S0302, S0101.B, S0102.A and described in Specification Section 31 20 00 for temporary support of the wall during excavation for the new parking structure footings?

See response to #73

101. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide the complete Geotechnical Report that is referenced in Specification Section 01 00 00 Section 1.10 and Drawing S0001 Note F4 so that the Contractors can design the required underpinning or earth retention system necessary to install the new parking structure foundations.

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

102. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Drawings S0101.B and S0102.A defines the lateral extent of the underpinning. Please confirm that the Contractors are not required to determine the final lateral extent of the underpinning, and that additional underpinning, beyond what is shown on Drawings S0101.B and S0102.A, is not required.

See response to #75.

103. 11/08/2017 11/17/2017 Please provide the logs/drawings that are referenced in Specification Section 01 00 00 Section 1.10.B.

The Geotechnical Engineering Report (by ECS -dated June 15, 2016) is attached to Amendment 00002.

104. 11/09/2017 11/13/2017 We would like to stop by the job site this Monday and would like to know if we would be allowed to park on the grass at the proposed construction entrance area along the south side of the property.

A second site visit for this project is not approved.

However, the VA cannot prohibit a contractor from viewing the public access areas on site.

105. 11/13/2017 11/22/2017 Photographic Documentation (01 00 00 1.25 B) Is it the intention of the Government to require items 12- 14 which state:

12. Monthly (29 max) exterior progressions (360 degrees around the project) and slideshows (all elevations and building envelope). The slideshows allow for the inclusion of Department of Veterans Affairs pictures, aerial photographs, and timely images which do not fit into any regular monthly photopath.

13. Weekly (21 Max) Site Progressions - Photographic documentation capturing the project at different stages of construction. These progressions shall capture underground utilities, excavation, grading, backfill, landscaping and road construction throughout the duration of the project.

14. Regular (8 max) interior progressions of all walls of the entire project to begin at time of substantial framed or as directed by the Resident Engineer through to completion.”

If so, can you clarify what the “29 Max”, “21 Max”, etc., is in reference to?

The contractor will not be required to provide photographic documentation for this project.

106. 11/13/2017 11/22/2017 I have been trying to locate the correct parties to submit equals to for the attached networked relay panel and light fixture schedule for the VA Parking Garage project in Des Moines, IA. Would you be the correct person? I have reached out to the engineering firm but they informed me that all correspondence needs to go through the VA. Can you please give me some direction on this? Is it too late to submit for prior approval? Please advise.

Submit requests for equivalency determination through the contracting officer for review and prior approval. The VA cannot guarantee that review will be completed prior to the proposal due date but will make every effort to review and comment quickly.

107. 11/14/2017 11/17/2017 The existing, and partially re-worked 10” sanitary sewer line that runs along the West edge of the proposed parking structure has an invert elevation on the civil drawings ranging from 115.23 (approx. 76’ 3” structural elevation) at new 4’ Manhole B to 112.82 (approx. 73’ 10” structural elevation) at the existing manhole adjacent to the southwest corner of the proposed building. The Top of footing along the west wall of the proposed structure ranges from 67’2” to 74’8”. Given the proximity of the existing sanitary line to the proposed footings, shoring will be required to maintain that sanitary line throughout construction. Given the shoring that is required between the proposed structure and the existing sanitary line, is the underpinning of the existing retaining wall still necessary?

Yes, See response to #72.

108. 11/14/2017 11/17/2017 The precast double T suppliers do not believe they can deliver their product to the jobsite via Red Cross Drive and the temporary access shown on the drawings. They have proposed an alternate site access road directly from 30th street, just south of the junction of Euclid Ave and 30th St angling southwest to the northeast corner of the proposed structure. It is believed that this routing can be accomplished without removing any additional trees to those shown on the drawings. Is a routing scenario like this acceptable to the VA?

Logistics for delivering material is the responsibility of the contractor. Deviations beyond what is noted in the drawings will need to be presented and reviewed with the VA.

109. 11/15/2017 11/17/2017 Perimeter Columns are called out to be typ. 24”x24", if the load brg. beams are intended to pocket into the exterior face of these columns then we feel we need to make these columns 24”x30, see details 2&3 on S0326. Is this acceptable?

No

110. 11/15/2017 11/17/2017 At the lightwalls/shear walls along 2&5, page A0331 show two rows of penetrations approx 6’x6’, This causes interference with the double tee haunch brg. We would like to narrow these opening to 4’. Please verify.

See response to #55

111. 11/15/2017 11/17/2017 The double tees are called out as “3” Pre-topped 32” Precast Double Tees” Is this a 32” stem w/ 3” of topping for a total depth of 35”, or is it a 29” with 3” for a total depth of 32”.

I can make either a 34” pre-topped DT with 30” stems and 4” flanges, or a 30” pre-topped tee with 26” stems and 4” flanges.

See response to #55.

112. 11/15/2017 11/17/2017 On page A1101, detail 2 calls for “barrier cables running continuously through middle of concrete shear walls.

This is not something we can do, as there are too many variable for alignment from panel to panel. There will need to be some fence of grill of some sort post installed (by others) in each penetration after precast erection is complete.

Barrier cables are necessary as they are there not only for pedestrian fall protection, but also as a means of vehicle fall protection. Contractor to determine as a part of their means and methods the procurement and sequence of installation of this scope. Alternate solutions to achieve the intent may be submitted as a substitution request for review.

113. 11/15/2017 11/17/2017 We have a big issue with access to the site. See below.

“they need to know that coming in from the south with anything bigger than a pickup truck is not really going to be possible. Elder (earthwork) and precast supplier are saying that they cannot make that hill with fully loaded dump trucks or precast deliveries. Coming from the north and creating an access road is about the only option available (should have a proposed plan today). If they still enforce the south entrance the project will never go with the costs associated and the deduct alternates will probably not even have an impact”

Logistics for delivering material is the responsibility of the contractor. Deviations beyond what is noted in the drawings will need to be presented and reviewed with the VA.

114. 11/16/2017 11/20/2017 Specification Section 21 12 00-1.3-A.3 details seismic design and bracing “in accordance with NFPA 14”.

NFPA 14 doesn’t specify that it is required; it would just specify the particular installation means and methods when it has been determined that it is required- by the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” and/or the structural engineers, for example.

For this particular project the structural plan S 001 details a seismic “Design Category A” for the project.

This design category does not require seismic design and bracing for fire protection systems piping.

Your interpretation is correct, seismic bracing is not required in this instance.

115. 11/16/2017 11/26/2017 We also had a question regarding the guidelines set forth in Specification 00 11 21 – Request for Proposal section C4.A.1 – Volume I, Factor 1, Construction experience. This section restricts relevant projects to “a construction, alteration, or repair of completed clinical, hospital or other medical related use space similar in size and scope to this project”.

Although we acknowledge that this project is on a medical center campus, it is not within the footprint of the actual medical center. Our company has extensive experience with projects within medical centers that comply with the “construction, alteration, or repair of completed clinical, hospital or other medical related use space” portion of the requirement. We also have extensive experience with projects that comply with the “similar in size and scope” portion of the requirement, however, much of the work that is of similar size and scope to this project are not necessarily medical related.

It seems that a strict interpretation of the requirement listed above would be unduly restrictive to the bidder pool given that most projects for the VA do not meet both the criteria for work in a clinical/hospital area as well as the criteria of being similar in size and scope to this project. Many companies will have to pull from their non-healthcare sector experience to properly convey their history and capabilities on projects of similar size and scope.

Will non-healthcare sector projects be allowable when evaluating proposals for demonstrating past experience and capabilities?

The original definition of relevant project in Attachment 1, shall be replaced with the following:

“For purposes of this evaluation, a relevant project is further defined as “a construction, alteration, or repair of completed clinical, hospital or other medical related use space similar in size and scope to this project; OR a construction or alteration of a parking garage or other large pre-cast concrete structure.”

116. 11/20/2017 11/22/2017 Can the bid be pushed until the week after the event as many SDVOSBs, are planning on attending the event? Please advise.

The VA does not intend to extend the proposal due date at this time.

117. 11/20/2017 11/22/2017 Would you like the EMR submitted prior to our RFP Response submission or would you like it with the RFP Response, to be submitted on Dec 5th?

The EMR shall be included in the Volume II proposals in accordance with Attachment 1.

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