J056--BSL3 HVAC Controls Replacement - Sol

3rd RFI s

Amendment #3 indicates the data drops and electrical power will need to be relocated from the wall. Please identify the new locations for these services so that this work can be priced.

Answer: There will be no relocations or no new locations. Electrical components will be removed and re-installed in same location as needed.

Amendment #2 issued photographs that show furniture, computers, desktop microscopes, cleaning supplies, stacked boxes, loose items, etc. Please confirm the VA will remove all these items before construction.

Answer: VA will clean up before project starts/ Lab personal.

Updated sequence of operations has not been provided per Am#2 Q&A#19. Please provide a designed sequence of operations that contractors can implement and test.

Answer: Entech will provide sequence plus program as well.

Please provide a material specification for the new duct insulation including thickness.

Answer: 3 thickness

We understand the ceiling to be replaced is gypsum board and paint. If not correct, please clarify otherwise by amendment.

Answer: Yes sheetrock and paint.

Statement of Work paragraph 2.j. states Contractor shall make any repairs necessary for the BSL-3 Lab to pass certification. Repairs shall include but not be limited to: Replacement of ceiling; Replacement of Duct Insulation; Replacement of Insulation around Windows and Enclosing Window.Â

Answer: Program sequence of operation to pass Certification.

Contractors cannot know which portions of the existing BSL3 lab do not comply until the certification test is performed. Please confirm that any work not required specifically by the statement of work will be handled as a modification to the contract.

Answer: Air Handler and Exhaust fan all in place just need to program sequence of operation.

2nd RFI s

Amendment #2 Q&A#47 stated The contractor will need to replace the electrical between windows. It was our understanding from the site visit that instead of removing and reinstalling data comm and electrical power between windows, these items are to remain and the inner window assembly on either side is to be removed and replaced with metal stud walls, rock wool insulation and gypsum board (per Am#2 Q&A#26). Please confirm.

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The data drop and the electrical power will need to be relocated from the wall.Â

We understand amendment #2 file BSL-3+LAB+REPAIRS+DRAWING+and+SPECS is an as-built drawing provided for reference. If this is not correct, please clarify otherwise by amendment.Â

The drawing attached in the amendment #2 is for reference. Â

Statement of work paragraph 2.c states to provide a new i2920 controller. If the contractor is required to provide 120V power to the new controller, please indicate panel and panel location it is to come from.Â

Existing powerÂ

Approximate square footage of the BSL3 laboratoryÂ

See attached floor plan. Square footage is in magenta.Â

Specific types of HVAC controls requiring replacement

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Intech questionÂ

Since HVAC technicians typically lack the qualifications and authorization for this specialized work, would the BMBL Certification need to be quoted separately? Â

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              NoÂ

Is ENV Services, the only company that can perform the certification?Â

             YesÂ

 Do we need to include their pricing in our proposal?Â

             YesÂ

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RFI RESPOSPONSES

Are we to dispose/abate of any asbestos, lead, mold or other hazardous material as part of this project? If so, provide appropriate hazardous material site survey report.

No

What will the ICRA level be for this project? What is the extent of the required ICRA barriers

Level 4 Critical 3 months

Are there any required/proprietary subcontractors the general contractor is to hire associated with this project?

No

Will all work associated with this project able to be performed during regular working hours?

Yes

It is our understanding that the Solicitation is a negotiated Bid (RFP) design-bid-build project with the Government's AE being responsible for the design portion (providing a full and complete set of Specifications and Plans) and the successful offeror being responsible for bidding and building the project based on the Specifications and Plans provided by the Government's AE. Put another way, the successful offeror will not be required to perform any design-build services as part of the contract - correct?Â

Yes

Could you please provide plumbing and electrical as well as supply room floor plans.

Yes

Will VA protect material to remain behind?

No

Will plans be provided for this project?

Yes

May a controller different than the model specified (but equal) be provided?

Check with Entech

Does testing need to be performed by a third party?

Yes, ENV Services for certification

We understand the work to include air handler controls and not the installation of a new HVAC unit.

Yes

Please confirm the project does not require containment and that the outer doors will act as the containment.

The project will require floor mats and a 6mill plastic barrier over the main door.

Confirm the project does not require temporary ducted negative air to the outside of the building.

Current condition is a negative air. The project doesn t need additional negative air.

Statement of work paragraph 2.b indicates pressure monitors shall be installed and cabled to pick up the analog signal for pressure reading of the monitored space.

This statement is part of the requirement.

Are new pressure monitors required or are we to use the existing pressure monitors?

Supply new pressure monitors and plan on replacing them. For this bid assume they will need to be replaced.

How many pressure monitors are there?

3

Will sheetrock need to be removed and patched for the cabling to the pressure monitors?

No. the contractor can use the same opening and J-box the existing pressure monitors uses.

Should statement of work paragraph 2.e read Contractor shall move AH 1-1 and AH 1-2 points over to the existing controller previously used by AH1.3 and AH1-4.

Yes. AH1.3 and controls is dedicated/emergency power

Statement of work paragraph 2.f states rework supply fan sequence to modulate supply fan speed control to insure all four spaces remain negative and neutral as they should. Â Â Â Please provide by amendment a designed sequence of operations that contractors can implement and test.

Please see the update sequence of operation

Reference SOW paragraph 2.g. Confirm a new VFD is not required.

A new VFD is not required

Paragraph 2.i indicates the contractor shall certify BSL-3 lab in accordance with BMBL 6th edition. This document seems to refer to certification of the bio-safety cabinets which we understand is not in the scope of this project. Please clarify what is required for the certification of the BSL-3 lab.

We need to certify the room as a whole. The BMBL 6th edition has requirements for a BSL-3 lab.

Can the VA provide names and poc information for the 3rd party companies who have certified BSL labs in the past?

ENV Services

SOW paragraph 2.j.i.I indicates replacement of ceiling due to mold . The requirement does not indicate to abate mold. At the site visit, we saw that the ceiling was damaged, but we did not notice any mold. If any mold abatement is required, please clarify by amendment including quantities to be abated so that these costs can be included in contractor proposals.

The VA would like to have the entire ceiling replace because there could be mold. Mold was not confirmed to be present, but because the ceiling gotten wet, we require the contractor to replace the ceiling.

If any hazardous materials abatement is required, please clarify by amendment and provide an abatement specification.

No abatement is required.

SOW paragraph 2.j.III calls to replace insulation around windows to alleviate condensation. How wide should the gypsum board and insulation be removed/replaced from each side of the windows?

Please use 5/8 type X gypsum wall board.

SOW paragraph 2.j.IV requires Enclosing of window to prevent condensation.  The exterior walls have outer windows and inner windows with a substantial gap between them. At the site visit, the VA indicated this scope requires the removal of the inner windows which would then be replaced with insulation and gypsum board walls. Please clarify by amendment if this is the requirement.

Use Rock wool insulation and 5/8 type X wall board for window in enclosure. The contractor will need to frame out window open will metal stubs. The wall should be installed next to the existing exterior window.

Confirm the project does not require temporary ducted negative air to the outside of the building.

The project will need to have negative air however the site already has exhaust ducted to fans outside.

Statement of work paragraph 2.b indicates pressure monitors shall be installed and cabled to pick up the analog signal for pressure reading of the monitored space.

Please see the response to questions 14 and question 15

Are new pressure monitors required or are we to use the existing pressure monitors?

Please see the response to questions 14 and question 15

How many pressure monitors are there?

3

Will sheetrock need to be removed and patched for the cabling to the pressure monitors?

No. the contractor can use the same opening and J-box the existing pressure monitors uses.

Should statement of work paragraph 2.e read Contractor shall move AH 1-1 and AH 1-2 points over to the existing controller previously used by AH1.3 and AH1-4.

Yes. AH1.3 and controls are dedicated/emergency power

Statement of work paragraph 2.f states rework supply fan sequence to modulate supply fan speed control to insure all four spaces remain negative and neutral as they should. Please provide by amendment a designed sequence of operations that contractors can implement and test.

This is part of the requirements

Reference SOW paragraph 2.g. Confirm a new VFD is not required.

Not required. Existing

Paragraph 2.i indicates the contractor shall certify BSL-3 lab in accordance with BMBL 6th edition. This document seems to refer to certification of the bio-safety cabinets which we understand is not in the scope of this project. Please clarify what is required for the certification of the BSL-3 lab.

We need to certify the room as a whole. The BMBL 6th edition has requirements for a BSL-3 lab.

Can the VA provide names and poc information for the 3rd party companies who have certified BSL labs in the past?

ENV Services

SOW paragraph 2.j.i.I indicates replacement of ceiling due to mold . The requirement does not indicate to abate mold. At the site visit, we saw that the ceiling was damaged, but we did not notice any mold. If any mold abatement is required, please clarify by amendment including quantities to be abated so that these costs can be included in contractor proposals.

The VA would like to have the entire ceiling replace because there could be mold. Mold was not confirmed to be present, but because the ceiling gotten wet, we require the contractor to replace the ceiling.

If any hazardous materials abatement is required, please clarify by amendment and provide an abatement specification.

No abetment is required.

SOW paragraph 2.j.III calls to replace insulation around windows to alleviate condensation. How wide should the gypsum board and insulation be removed/replaced from each side of the windows?

Use Rock wool insulation and 5/8 type X wall board for window in enclosure. The contractor will need to frame out window open will metal stubs. The wall should be installed next to the existing exterior window.

SOW paragraph 2.j.IV requires Enclosing of window to prevent condensation. The exterior walls have outer windows and inner windows with a substantial gap between them. At the site visit, the VA indicated this scope requires the removal of the inner windows which would then be replaced with insulation and gypsum board walls. Please clarify by amendment if this is the requirement.

Use Rock wool insulation and 5/8 type X wall board for window in enclosure. The contractor will need to frame out window open will metal stubs. The wall should be installed next to the existing exterior window.

Provide updated SOW as per the site visit findings

These questions will be use are the update information for the SOW

Provide Drawings

See Attached Drawings/Specs

Provide Specifications

See Attached Drawings/Specs

Provide pictures of interior rooms

See Attached Illustrations

Provide ceiling detail showing existing

See Attached Illustrations

Provide specifications on how to cover the interior windows

See response to question 26

Provide specification on who is to remove and relocate the electrical and data comm in the interior rooms between windows

The VA will remove the TempTrak device on the wall and the contractor will need to replace the electrical.

Provide updated bid due date required for lead time of materials

Bid due date is extended to April 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM CST

Provide mold test results for interior rooms that have water damage

Please see the response to question 23.

Provide paint specification and color / finish texture

ICI Paints white whisper gloss

Provide nearest location for electrical for roof equipment

Quick-disconnect is in the area.

BSL3 HVAC Controls

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) currently has a need of having the controls for the HVAC for the BSL-3 Lab replaced and a Request for Quotes IS TO BE POSTED ON OR ABOUT 3/20/2024.