Z2DA--T2 554-22-146 Replace Windows Building A (VA-22-00061470)

RFI #1

Replace Windows for Bldg. A

Are their building as-builts submittals and shop drawings available from the applicable which apply to the existing storefront/curtainwall and existing glass? This would help in identifying system parts and capabilities, glass makeups, and installation methods.

No, all the relevant information available was provided as part of the procurement package.

Spec 088000 Glazing, Section 1.3- Performance requirements, Parts A, B.1-4 call for various engineering to be done on the new glass. Is this to replace the original engineering that was done on the same glass makeup? Are the glazing makeups the same as the existing glass? If the same glass makeup is being used, the requirement for further repeating engineering may impact both time and cost. Perhaps this is not necessary?

Proposed Solution:

Delete requirement for design engineering per spec 088000 Glazing section 1.3 Performance requirements.

The new glazing is significantly different than the existing. Contractor must show product meets the requirements of Specification 088000 including that proposed glazing is in accordance with ASCE 7, ASTM E3100, and local building code.

Spec 088000 Glazing, Section 3.8- Insulated Laminated Glass Schedule (Force Protection and Physical Safety)

The spec states to match existing grey tint. Without submittal as-builts the existing grey tint is unknown. The below shown makeup of grey tint with Solarban 60 low-e on #2 surface meets the VLT, SHGC and U value of specified performance requirements. Is this an acceptable glass to be used to replace existing glass?

Proposed Solution:

Use standard solar-gray tint with Solarban60 Low-E on # 2 surface as primary makeup off insulated, laminated glazing for the replacement glass.

The goal of the tint is not to significantly change the exterior appearance of the building. Contractor will need to match the existing tint as closely as possible. Contractor will be required to submit samples for approval.

On the Project Drawing 1 under Notes, 3., below it states the replace only the exterior dry seal

is to be replaced and the spandrel glass is not to be replaced. Is the exterior gasket between glazing and storefront considered the exterior dry seal ? Please confirm that wherever spandrel glass is located, the entire insulated unit will not be replaced or if monolithic, the entire spandrel will not be replaced. This may affect time and cost.

Proposed Solution:

Replace exterior gasket at spandrel glass locations only. Existing spandrel glass to remain.

The exterior dry seal is the same as the exterior gasket and the existing spandrel glass is to remain.

How big of a storage area can the VA provide to the contractor?

For bidding purposes, assume the lawn area west of the building may be used for storage during construction but all landscaping, irrigation or other exterior improvements disturbed will need to be restored to original condition.

The specs called for a ½ glass bite will the system only accept 3/8 ?

See question 9 below.

Will a boom lift be acceptable around the perimeter of Building Z to gain access to exterior work?

The contractor will submit for approval a Site-Specific Safety Plan describing how the elevated work will be accomplished safely. There is nothing prohibiting a boom lift from being used if it is done safely and meets OSHA requirements.

Will an 85 boom lift be able to access the parking structure? Approximate weight of 20,690 38,000 lbs

The driveway above underground parking structure is designed to support fire engines which exceed this weight.

Following 2 questions are same question basically stated differently from different vendors:

Statement of work states Contractor shall ensure new glazing units comply with the requirements of the VA Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual, specifically section 6.3.2. This section requires window replacements have a laminated interior pane, minimum ½ bite, . The existing framing system is a storefront system and will only accept a total of 7/16 glass bite per side for an overall glass bite of 7/8 . Is the minimum ½ glass bite per side? If so, the existing system will not accept a ½ glass bite per side. The glass would be too large to fit into the opening. Example: ½ at the head and sill = total of 1 . The existing framing system is designed for 7/16 at the head and sill = total of 7/8 . Is a 7/16 glass bite acceptable per the framing manufacturers installation instructions?

During the walk it was stated that the glass bite must be ½ . Per the Specification 088000- Section 3.5 C . 3/8 inch below sight line is required to seal the glass to the frame. The specification references multiple publications that form part of the spec in 1.8. Please clarify if there is a ½ requirement. The storefront systems at the punched window locations cannot meet this- as the glass would not fit. The storefront can meet he 3/8

If the frame on the storefront sections will not accept glazing units with ½ bite, the bidders should base their bid on using the largest units which can be reasonably fit inside the existing frame and maximize the bite available.

Confirm the new insulated laminated glass does not need to be blast or impact rated.

Confirmed. This is not a requirement when doing window replacements per the VA PSRDM.

We are showing the rest of the campus is clear over clear and does not have a tint, please confirm the goal to match the existing tint on building A and not the majority of the new campus glazing?

Confirmed. The goal is to match the existing tint color as closely as possible.

The new tint will not be an exact glass match, confirm this is acceptable.

Confirmed. The goal is to match the existing tint color as closely as possible.

Is the new glass required to be Buy American ?

Yes.

Following 2 questions are same question basically stated differently from different vendors:

Will the VA provide an area for material lay down on site?

Is the VA going to give a dedicated lay down space for glass? Would anticipate the equivalent of 3 each 20 Conex s being needed.

For bidding purposes, assume the lawn area west of the building may be used for storage during construction but all landscaping, irrigation or other exterior improvements disturbed will need to be restored to original condition.

The chosen glazing contractor will be deviating from the manufacturer s installation instructions by adding an interior wet seal . Please confirm this is acceptable.

The interior wet seal is a firm requirement. Contractor will need to get a letter from the manufacturer stating this will not be a problem in cases where a wet seal deviates from manufactures installation instructions.

Spandrel Glass Gasket repair: From the walk and the notes drawing Page 1. The spandrel glass is to remain in place, but the gasket surrounding on the exterior is to be replaced. Much of the spandrel glass is in the system that is inside glazed. The proper way to do this would be to remove the interior gasket- giving enough access to move the glass off the exterior gasket so that it could be replaced and properly sealed in the corners. The spandrel is in many areas behind walls and behind soffits. Should this activity be bid separately so the cost of the inside removal of the walls and soffits can be broken out.

Replacement of the exterior dry seal or gasket from the spandrel glass that is inside glazed (storefront sections) shall be deleted from the scope.

Are there any swing stage Davits on the roof?

No, there are not swing stage davits on Building A.

What testing is going to be done on the glazed walls after the glass replacement? Can the same testing be done prior to any work being started to establish a baseline?

Testing of a representative sample of windows shall be part of the contractor s Quality Control Program which must be approved by the VA.

As soon as the glass is removed there will be a safety issue that all persons within the closed off area will need to be tied off. Can this be done off the columns? Will the temporary enclosures be large enough to allow this? Can concrete anchors into the floor be used?

Any fall protection system must meet OHSA requirements of being engineered, inspected, and operated by a competent person. It is up to the contractor to select from the many methods available. It is the responsibility of the contractor to return affected spaces to the original condition after work is complete.

The specified glass make up cannot be produced on lites larger than 20 SQFT. In order to meet a similar proposed make up, we would need to reduce the airspace to 3/8" in lieu of 1/2". See example (Specified Glass Make Up: 1/4" grey temp w/ low e coating - 1/2" air spacer - 1/8" clear heat strengthened .060 inner layer 1/8" clear heat strengthened = 1" Insulated Glass Unit - Lites over 20 sqft have to have 3/16" minimum glass not 1/8" - Proposed Makeup: 1/4" grey temp - 3/8" air spacer - 3/16" clear hs .060 inner layer - 3/16" clear heat strengthened. Please advise if this is acceptable and if so, would you like for all of the glass to be this proposed makeup or only where lites are over 20 sqft? Please advise.

This proposed makeup with the smaller air space to accommodate thicker laminated glass would be acceptable for the units over 20 SF but we would want to consider the impact on the thermal properties before deciding on units under 20 SF. Bidders should price based on the thicker laminated glass with reduced airspace on all units regardless of size.

Do you have drawing of the office wall layouts inside the building that tie into the window systems? We need to see how many conflicts there will be with the removal and replacement of the glass. Some windows will require removal of brickmold and drywall, but without access to all the offices it is difficult to calculate exactly how many conflicts we will have.Â

Floor plans for each floor are provided with this response.

Where will we be able to park?

Contractor personnel can park in the visitor parking lots. A limited number of vehicles can be parked along the curb above the underground parking with permission from the VA Police.

Issue Description: In the 2.0 Statement of work states Existing spandrel glass shall be washed and have exterior dry seal (spline) replaced . Question-(1) Is this the exterior storefront gasket referred to as the dry seal or spline ?

Yes.

Also same section it states Contractor shall ensure new glazing units comply with requirements of the VA Physical Security .This section requires window replacements have a laminated interior pane, minimum 1/2" bite and 3/8 wide interior wet seal. Question -If the existing systems are storefront a ½ bite is not achievable. An insulated glass unit for storefront would be sized ¾ over daylight opening giving the glass a 3/8 bite. Is this acceptable at storefront locations?

See answer to question 9.

Does the roof accommodate any sort of Davit system or other accommodations for the use of a swing stage? If so, is a swing stage an acceptable possible method of access for changing out the glass?

No, the existing roof does not have a davit system or other accommodations for a swing stage. The roof only has tie-off point for personnel fall protection.

Is it possible to get as built drawings of the current floor plan for drywall pricing purposes? During the second job walk I noticed numerous areas where we would need to remove and repair drywall to replace the glass units.Â

Floor plans for each floor are provided with this response.

Would the VA be able to provide an allowance for removal and reinstallation of the window coverings? There are 811 windows all with Window Coverings. Assuming 1 man roughly 2 hours per window from removal to protection of window coverings, storage, removal from storage, remove protection and reinstall, plus possibility of older window blinds being in poor shape, to keep pricing equal on the replace glazing only, I would request an allowance for the above work and possible replacement from the VA?

No allowance will be established for this project. The Statement of Work and Specifications outline the requirements. For any window coverings that are in poor condition, please document (prior to removal) the location and condition (photos) of the window coverings.

Would the VA also be able to provide an allowance for the drywall repair and replacement. Not all walls will need to be removed for glazing replacement and to keep pricing equal between GC s, it would be best for the VA to place an allowance on this work also.

No allowance will be established for this project. The Statement of Work and Specifications outline the requirements.