RECOVERY Z--Correct American Disability Act Building Deficiencies

VA Building 1 Solicitation VA-241-10-RA-0086, Question Responses



1. We could not find a complete list of all the contract drawings listed anywhere in the specifications so we are unsure if we have all of the required drawings. Response 1 – See additional drawings and specifications.



2. We have drawings 111, 112, 116, 117 but cannot find 113, 114, 115 on the FBO Website We do not see any plumbing drawings on the FBO website. Response 2 – See additional drawings and specifications.



3. The T-1 drawing lists some of the drawings but does not include A10, A11, S1, S2, S3 for the 11C Ramp work. Response 3 – See additional drawings and specifications.



4. Since this project is a renovation, does the VA have a contingency fee set-up? If not, what happens when a contractor opens up a wall and finds some unforeseen condition such as asbestos that is not listed on the abatement schedule? We are not able to proceed with any unauthorized work so in essence, that particular bathroom would come to a stop. Response 4 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



5. Once unforeseen extra work is found, what is the normal amount of time that the VA takes to secure funding and process the modification? Response 5 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



6. We see that the working hours are from 8:00 until 4:30? Do you expect any of the work to be done after or before those hours? Response 6 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



7. Part of the work entails jack hammering out concrete from the floors. This noise will reverberate throughout the entire hospital. Will the contractor be stopped at any time because of the noise? The posted limit of noise is not to exceed 70? decibels. Jack hammering concrete will certainly exceed that tolerance. Will jack hammers be allowed or should other method of removing the concrete be used? Response 7 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



8. Wall type 4 calls for 4" solid block but shows a drawing of 6" block. Please clarify. If wall type 4 is 4†solid block, then the piping shown running in the walls won’t work. Response 8 – Delete note “ONE HOUR RATED WALL 4†SOLID CMU BLOCK SIM. U.L. 901†for Wall Type 3 and Wall Type 4.



9. Are all water closets to be wall mounted? If so, there are several bathrooms that don’t have a chase to provide space for a carrier. Response 9 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



10. Will all construction areas be turned over to the contractor when the contract is awarded or will the bathrooms be phased? Response 10 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



11. The specifications state that the contractor must abide by OS11A 1910 and OS11A 1926. Contractor’s employee protection is defined under OS11A 1926 whereas the VA’s employees are protected under OS11A 1910. The contractor can’t be held accountable to abide by all of OS11A 1910 since that is the Government’s responsibility not the contractors. If the Government feels the contractor is putting the VA employees in danger due to some construction activity, it is up to the government to protect their employees through some action such as moving them away from the potential hazard. The contractor can’t be held responsible for moving the VA employees since we are not their employer. Response 11 – Please make your proposal based on the contract documents.



12. There are no specs other than what’s on the drawings…..there are hardware sets on A13 but no manufactures’ numbers to establish a standard of quality….what do we furnish? Response 12 – See additional drawings and specifications.



13. Who furnishes the hardware for the aluminum doors? Response 13 – See additional drawings and specifications.



14. What is the veneer on the wood doors. If they say match existing, we need to know what the existing veneer is. Response 14 – See additional drawings and specifications.