Z1DA--512-24-122 Structural Steel Fireproofing (VA-24-00093106) FY25 Requirement

RFIs Received October 17, 2024

VA Response Sent October 22, 2024, by Mikaela Kaufman

SOW 1C states "See specifications and all other drawings for additional details." There were no specifications or drawings included for this project. Based on the information provided, there is no way for the contractor to accurately determine the size of the columns and beams which is necessary to accurately quantify the amount of fireproofing needed.

Question: Are there existing as-built drawings that could be provided?

The existing drawings available for reference of the beams/columns within the hospital's spaces are the original framing plans. They're available and will be provided.

In order to accurately understand the amount of fireproofing needed, we need to understand the size of the beams and columns to be fireproofed.

Question: If as-builts will not be provided, can the sizes of the exposed columns and beams to be fireproofed be provided?

The beam type and length of the beams are noted within the framing plans provided.

SOW 1C states "See specifications and all other drawings for additional details." SOW 2A, 2B, and 2C reference permits, submittals, and subcontractor POCs and certifications and all state "See specs for more details." The VA has said references to drawings and specifications were meant to reference the Technical Memorandum, but that does not include the referenced information.

Question: Will specifications be provided for this project? Specifically, we are seeking requirements for general conditions, ICRA, and fireproofing.

Yes, specifications and condition requirements will be provided for this project.

SOW 4A states "Exposed steel in any areas not accessible in section 2.1 of the "Technical Memorandum Balt VAMC Steel Fireproofing" document shall be fireproofed. There are 3 areas in the technical memorandum that state "could not access this area." There is no way for the contractor to quantify the work in these areas based on the information provided.

Question: Can allowances or assumed quantities be provided for these areas?

Any assumptions that are be made must be done by referencing the site drawings that are being provided.

The ECS report lists various areas with exposed columns and beams. These spaces are delineated by floor & by quad. For example, there are beams listed in Quads A, B, C & D for the interstitial spaces between floors 1 & 2.

Question: Will all quads (A, B, C, & D) be accessible through the same door for that floor or will each Quad have its own access door?

Each quadrant of the VA has its own access doors into the interstitial spaces located within the stairwells. Access to different quads within the interstitial site is dependent on the internal conditions of said interstitial space (for example, passage between one quadrant to another within a floor s interstitial space might not be possible due to the structure of the HVAC and/or plumbing fixtures within the space).

There are many different areas listed in the ECS report, but no way to determine how many points of entry there will be to access these spaces.

Question: Considering that ICRA measures will need to be provided at each entry point to protect the hospital s occupants, can the VA provide the total quantity of entries that will require ICRA measures?

All entries that are to be used by the contractors will need to be protected to the satisfaction of the ICRA requirements. Referencing the attached ICRA, the main concerns involving this project are keeping dust from travelling out of the interstitial spaces with contractor movement and maintaining a clean environment after the completion of the work. There are no requirements for ICRA barriers or negative pressure.