Z1DA--528A7-18-725 replace AHU 2, 7, 11, CWS-201 and IC exhaust fans

RFI Answers for Solicitation 3C24223B0038 Project: 528A7-18-725 Replace AHU s 2, 7, 11

Date: 11/06/2023.

Need to know if the AISC certification for steel fabrication shop as well as installers can be waived.

Answer: No, it cannot be waived

We are quoting the steel scope of this project and want to get our number in front of every bidding GC. We couldn t find a plan holders list on the SAM.gov site. Is there one available?

Answer: This information was sent to the Contracting Officer and he will not be posting it on SAM.gov.

It appears that the two tie in points for supply air have already been made.

Answer: Yes, Contractors are not required to make supply air connections to AHU-06 and are to not include that in their bid.

Solicitation has asbestos abatement 02 82 11-1.1.2. At site walk it was stated that there is no asbestos and abatement companies were told this and left. Confirmation is needed that we bid with no abatement per the instructions at the PB.

Answer: There is no known Asbestos Abatement planned. The Spec s contain an asbestos section in case of un-foreseen asbestos is detected.

Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles? If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control Manager role? Can they also fulfil the SSHO role?

Answer: Yes however, this project requires a full time Superintendent.

How many consecutive days would crane be allowed to stay set up? (Westside) Answer: One day. All Crane picks are performed on weekends or after hours with Contractors providing all supervision, safety, and associated required personnel. A required Crane Permit is required to be submitted by Contractor to VA for approval.

On site walk it was noted that all demo needs to be placed on double ¾ plywood on the roof, for staging. Can any items be taken down through the elevator? New items. Can they be brought up through the elevators or do these have to be craned to the roof?

Answer: Anything stored on the roof is required to be set on double layer of ¾ plywood. It is the Contractors determination what they will or will not store on the roof while construction is being performed. All material will be strapped down for wind and weather concerns. The elevator does not go to the roof. Elevator dimensions

are included in the specs.

May the Contractor s Site Superintendent also fulfill the role of SSHO, so long as they meet the specified requirements for SSHO qualifications and can complete all associated duties?

Answer: Yes, See question #5

9. Specification Section 01 45 00, Article 3.2.B.1 states, Include a CQC System Manager

that reports to the project superintendent ; can the Contractor s Site Superintendent

fulfill the role of CQC System Manager, so long as they meet all specified requirements

and can complete all associated duties?

Answer: Yes, See question #5

10. Where will the Contractor be permitted to have a laydown area(s)?

Answer: There are no designated laydown areas on the drawings. AHU-2., Limited space on roof near Temp Unit, and limited space on 10th floor near AHU-2 area.

AHU-11, Limited Space on Shaft 5 Roof, and inside near unit. AHU-7 extremely limited space inside Shaft 2, near units. There is nothing on drawings showing any pre- determined areas so contractors should assume no laydown area permitted.

11. Will temporary power be available at this location(s)?

Answer: No, any temp power is the Contractors responsibility.

12 Will this project be sales tax exempt?

Answer: Yes. The contract itself will justify tax exemption.

13. Section 13a on the solicitation document states that the bid due date is 10-16-2023 at 11:00am EDT; however, it is apparent that is inaccurate due to RFI deadlines being past that date. Please confirm the bid date and time for this project.

Answer: Section 13a on the solicitation is incorrect. The bid due date was 10/30/2023

but it has been extended to November 08, 2023.

14. Will any work be required to be completed off hours? If so, please confirm which activities or scopes of work will need to be done off-hours and if those activities can be done during the week or if they must be done during a weekend?

Answer: Yes. All Crane activity, any utility shutdowns that affect Patient Care or Hospital Operations or Activities. Or any work that affects normal operations.

15. Can crane lifts occur during normal business hours? If not, please confirm the hours that will be permitted for these activities.

Answer: No see question #14 above

16. Does the Government intend on issuing an Administrative NTP for the submittal process and procuring long lead-time materials, or is that anticipated to be a part of the 450-day POP?

Answer: 450 days includes all work including, but not limited to administration, submittals, and procurement.

17. Will water be available for Contractor use? a. If so, will this be provided at no cost?

Answer: Yes. and yes.

18. Will there be specific haul routes required for ingress of materials and equipment and/or egress of removed equipment and debris?

Answer: Contractor to decide, however, there are specific requirements with moving materials through Patient Care areas including moving materials off hours. All carts and materials/debris are required to be covered

What requirements will there be for phasing? a. What is the A/E and/or Government s intended phasing plan?

Answer: See Contract drawings and documents.

Will hydraulic calculations be required for the modified sprinklers, or can a P.E. provide a plan without such calcs?

Answer: See Drawings and Specifications

Who is the Contractor that currently services the VA s DDC system? Please provide appropriate contact information if possible.

Answer: Previous Contractors have used Johnson Controls or Siemens

Who is the Contractor that currently services the VA s Fire Alarm system? Please provide appropriate contact information if possible.

Answer ADT or Redhawk

Does the Structural Steel fabricator need to be AIS

Answer: Yes, see question#1

Specification states to provide an SSHO, can the project superintendent have dual duties as the superintendent and SSHO?

Answer: Yes, see question #5, and #9

Specification states to provide a CQC System Manager, can the project superintendent have dual duties as the superintendent and CQC System Manager?

Answer: Yes, see question #5, and #9

If the superintendent is able to provide combined SSHO and CQC System Manager capabilities, will they be able to perform all three positions in tandem?

Answer: Yes, see question #5, and #9

The A#1 drawings have a duplicate M-102 (one of them should be M-103) and also with the additional drawings, there are now two different E-101 drawings (one in the original bid set and one from the A#1 drawings). Will this require correction for clarity while referencing the drawings?

Answer: All drawing sheets are applicable original bid set has 49 sheets addendum has 17 sheets. All work is outline on all sheets. No clarity is required.

Please clarify the requirements related to the SSHO (013526-1.7):

Is a separate, full-time SSHO required in addition to a full-time Site Superintendent for the Prime Contractor?

Answer: Yes, this project requires a full time Superintendent. see question #5, and #9

Please verify the requirement that the Competent Person(s) must have taken or retaken their OSHA 30 Hour within the past 5 years.

Answer: yes

Please verify the requirement of a separate (LICENSED) Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or a Certified Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) to conduct random monthly site safety inspections.

Answer: Yes, see question #5, and #9

Please verify this requirement cannot be fulfilled by a corporate safety professional (Safety/Operations Manager) and this person must be licensed and provide their certificate number.

Answer: Yes, see question #5, and #9

Is there a lay-down area designated for this project?

Answer: No see question #10

Is parking available for contractors on-site?

Answer: No. One dumpster or one parking spot near Building 16

Due to volatile material price fluctuations and unpredictability of the market, will the government agree to pay for Stored Materials on this project to avoid price increases post bid? Documentation of material invoice/packing slips, photo, and insurance backup information for each relevant charge would be provided.

Answer: The government will NOT pay for stored materials. The stored materials shall remain the property of the Contractor which shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature.

Can the Economic Price Adjustment FARR clause be added to this contract due to continued fluctuations in material prices?

Answer: This is a firm fixed price contract, and the economic price adjustment clause will NOT be added to the contract. All bidders are encouraged to price their bid accordingly to account for these fluctuations in material cost, etc.

If material prices increase post award, will the government pay for those increases provided proof of increase is provided?

Answer: No. All bidders are encouraged to price their bid accordingly to account for these fluctuations in material cost, etc.

Will the government agree to material increase cost adjustment requests (change orders) for suppliers for products subject to long submittal review periods, long lead times and/or general post-bid issues & delays?

Answer: No. All bidders are encouraged to price their bid accordingly to account for these fluctuations in material cost, etc.

Drawings indicate crane locations. Can these crane picks be during regular business hours M-F? Or do they need to be weekends? Please clarify.

Answer: No. See question #6

What s required for protecting existing roof if we store items on it?

Answer: See question #7

Are controls required on temporary units? If so, contractor to provide and install?

Answer: Yes, contractor will provide controls on Temporary Units and tie into existing BMS to allow VA personnel to monitor. Minimum On/Off, Fan Status, Discharge Air Temperature, and Static Pressure.

Are there any Fire Alarm requirements on temporary units? If so, please clarify.

Answer: See Contract Drawings and Specifications.

Do the new Air Handling Units have internal electrical items such as outlets, switches, lights, the electrical contractor will be responsible for installing? Drawings indicate lights & receptacles , and spec section 237300 references them, but no quantities provided.

If so, please provide locations & quantities

If so, are these supplies with AHU s, owner furnished, or electrical contractor furnished? Answer: There is a section in the Specs that details this. That being said, this needs to be coordinated with Mechanical Contractor on what they are proposing to provide. Electrical Contractor is required to furnish and wire/install all associated equipment that is being supplied under the submittal for the Air Handler.

Do new AHU s have other internal / external components such as heat wheels or VFD s the electrical contractor will be responsible to mount & power? If so, please clarify requirements and provide locations & quantities.

Answer: Yes, there is a section in the Specs that details this. That being said, this needs to be coordinated with Mechanical Contractor on what they are proposing to provide. Electrical Contractor is required to furnish and wire/install all associated equipment that is being supplied under the submittal for the Air Handler.

Electrical General notes drawing E-002 (Answer at end for all)

a. Note #1 states electrical contractor to carry allowances for expected or UNFORESEEN issues when concealed work has been exposed and that no compensation made for this additional work. This if a firm fixed contract. Drawings and specifications need to be clear and concise, and quantities need to be provided to ensure fair and equal bids are submitted. This project is not design build. This statement is not clear and concise, therefore this statement should be revised or removed. Please review.

Note #5 states to bring any existing condition discrepancies to engineers attention prior to bid. Pre-bid site visits are not mandatory; therefore, this isn t possible. This statement should be removed. Please review.

Note #6 states electrical contractor responsible for all electrical demolition work for this project whether or not specifically indicated on drawings. . Drawings and specifications need to be clear and concise, and quantities need to be provided to ensure fair and equal bids are submitted. This project is not design build. This statement is not clear and concise, therefore this statement should be revised or removed. Please review.

d. Note #17 states electrical contractor responsible for disconnecting / relocating any all existing equipment that is to remain, even if not shown . Drawings and specifications need to be clear and concise, and quantities need to be provided to ensure fair and equal bids are submitted. This project is not design build. This statement is not clear and concise, therefore this statement should be revised or removed. Please review.

e. There are numerous statements like the above examples. Please review these notes. These blanket / catchall statements are not legal on firm fix price contracts. Drawings and specifications need to be clear and concise, and quantities need to be provided to ensure fair and equal bids are submitted. This project is not design build. These statements are not clear and concise, therefore they should be revised or removed. Please review.

Answer:(a-e above) Contractors are required to Bid the Drawings and Specifications. If Contractors take exception to these notes include that in your bid.

44. Addendum 1 dwg S-101 plan note 4 GWS guy support . Locations not clear. They are not specifically called out new anywhere on plans but show up in details & note 5 1/S-102, and M- 102 indicates Guy Wires on existing unit and notes (TYP) but not shown or called out anywhere else. Can you please clarify all locations & qty new Guy Wires will be needed?

Answer: Contractors are required to support each duples exhaust fan stack a

minimum of 3 places. Total (9). Existing steel or pipe support detail to be used.

RFI #1

The purpose for this RFI is to add the additional addendum drawings: (P01) 528A7-18-725-ADDENDUM-FINAL_2023-06-30 to the solicitation.

Replace AHU s 02, 07, 11

Project Number: 528A7-18-725

Project Address: 800 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210

Statement of Work

The Syracuse VAMC has a need to upgrade the following Air Handler Equipment. AHU-02, AHU-07, AHU-11. Additionally, Addendum work for IC Exhaust Fans and CWS-201 will be completed during this project. Features of this new equipment will humidification/dehumidification, heating and cooling, energy recovery , ductwork, piping, insulation, controls, and specific ancillary equipment that meet the design requirements.

The Contractor will be responsible for performing this work in (2) Phases based on work location.

Phase 1

Replace AHU-02, and AHU-07. AHU-11. These units are located on the 10th Floor, Shaft 2, and Shaft 5 respectively. A temporary AHU and Exhaust is required for each unit. AHU 07 will utilize AHU42 as the temporary unit. These units are required to provide air to various areas of the facility continuously. Similar Mechanical and Electrical will be required to complete each unit. Contractor required to maintain all temporary equipment during the duration of this contract.

Phase 2

After the AHU s are installed, Phase 2 consists of the Addendum work relocating and replacing CWS-201, and replacing Infection Control Fans EF-77, EF-78, and EF-79 with Duplex Fan Systems as shown on the drawings. The existing Exhaust Fans are to remain intact and in-use until the switch over is completed.

Contractor should refer to contract documents including drawings and specifications for a complete and detailed description & requirements of work to be performed. Contractor to provide all necessary supervision, labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete all work in the specified time allotted. Work required may include but not limited to mechanical, electrical, demolition, controls, ductwork, piping, louvers/dampers, insulation, VFD, heat exchangers/pumps, and remediating mechanical/electrical interferences. The new units will be required to interface with the existing Johnson Controls Metasys Building Management System and allow for

collection of data and response to alarm conditions. A brief non-inclusive outline of the proposed scope of work is listed below.

Temporary and Permanent Roof Work

Temporary AHU s, Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural Demo and/or Installation

Rigging and Installation of Temporary and Permanent Equipment

Existing Equipment shutdown and Temporary Equipment Start-Up

Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural Demo

Site Preparation for New Equipment

Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural Installation

Equipment Rigging and Installation

Final connections and preparations

Sprinkler and Fire Safety Work

Controls and Building System Interface

New Equipment Start-Up, Commissioning, and Certification

Temporary Equipment Removal

Clean-Up and Punch List

Work Hours: Work is to be performed during normal business hours (Monday Friday, 8am 4pm). All electrical, steam, chilled and hot water shutdowns shall be coordinated with COR and scheduled after normal business hours.

Work may be performed during evenings and/or weekends if coordinated in advance with COR.

.

Project Duration: The duration of this project is expected to be 450 days.

Contractor shall provide contact information for all individuals who will be working on-site 7 days prior to start of work.

Summary of New Equipment

AHU-02 14000 CFM Shaft 5 10th Floor Temporary Unit Required

AHU 07 4000 CFM Shaft 2 8th Floor Temporary Unit Required

AHU 11 5000 CFM Shaft 3 5th Floor Temporary Unit Required

Duplex Fan Systems for EF-77, EF-78, EF-79

Relocated/New CWS-201

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

Requirements:

Construction contractors and A/E design firms, selected by award to perform work at VISN 2 VA facilities, are required to utilize VISN 2 Autodesk Build Construction management platform, also called Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). Access to the platform and training portal will be provided by VISN 2 through project Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at no cost for the duration of the project. Autodesk Build is the management and collaborative environment that VISN 2 uses for all its Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM), Minor Program projects, Feasibility Studies, Commissioning and Retro-Commissioning contracts. There is no user, license, or subscription fee to the contractor for using this cloud-based platform.

Contractor shall accomplish and complete the following tasks upon award of contract:

Request access to ACC platform and Productivity NOW eLearning Site to project VA COR NLT 14 days from contract award.

Only staff that shall utilize the platform to be granted access. Examples: Project manager, sub-contractors POC, Site manager, Safety officer, etc.

The access request shall be in writing and include a list of staff. The list shall include the following information:

Full Name

Company Name

Email Address

Role/Position on the project (i.e., Project manager, site super)

Upon granting access, staff shall complete required ACC training through ProductivityNOW platform within 12 Calendar days.

Upon successful completion of training, contractor shall submit certificates of completion to COR NLT 2 business days.

Access to ProductivityNOW eLearning will expire after 12 Calendar days after online access is granted. Contractor shall complete ACC training within that period.

Additional Staff and Subcontractors can be added at any time with a request submission to the project COR as described above.

The contractor shall only use the ACC platform for contract required submissions, official project correspondence to be acknowledged, reviewed, and actioned by the responsible party. No additional time shall be added to the contract, nor an increase in contract amount be provided for the contractor s failure to utilize the ACC platform as the project s official communication and collaboration system. Any correspondence out of platform shall not be the governing authority contradicting direction and will be at the contractor s expense. Official project correspondence and collaboration includes but not limited to: RFIs, submittals, schedules, shutdown requests, actionable tasks, reports, testing, safety inspections, photos, and site surveys.

Contractor must inform the COR of any staff changes NLT 2 business days from the change. Staff changes pertains to staff who was granted access to the ACC platform. Contractor shall request termination of access, replacement of personnel and/or any other action that might impact the contractor ability to maintain required utilization of the platform.

Contractor submission requirements cannot be accepted for work to begin without meeting all ACC Platform requirements outlined herein, including completing required ACC platform training.