Amendment A00003, Solicitation No. VA101-14-R-0079, Phase 2 – Mental Health and Research Facility and Demolition, Seattle, WA REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 16. Vertically Folding Partition a. Sheet EP112, key note #5, states that a 120v connection is to be provided to the vertical folding partition (Skyfold). We recommend either 208/3phase or 480/3phase power be provided as neither of these requires a transformer from the manufacturer. A 120v power supply does require a transformer which is additional cost. Response: Bid as indicated in the drawings and if at a future time, per contract substitution requests, it can be addressed as a beneficial substitution. b. Sheet AI537, detail F1, shows that the vertical folding partition is approximately 31’-0” in width. This detail also has a note that this width is to be divided by 4 equal panels. A standard installation at this width would only require 3 equal panels. Adding a 4th ‘column’ worth of panels will typically increase the cost by around 20%. Furthermore, it is not possible to have 4 exact equal panels with a 31’ opening and a STC of 51 (as per 102226.53-1.4-C). Using a ‘Classic’ model of vertical folding partition, the panel widths would be about 96”, 90”, 90”, and 96”, respectively. However, using a ‘Zenith’ model of vertical folding partition and increasing the STC rating to 55, it is possible to get equal widths with 4 panels. An increase in STC from 51 to 55 is about 8% typically. A third option is to require only 3 equal panels but increase the STC rating to 55, which is available at equal cost in both the ‘Classic’ and ‘Zenith’ models of vertical folding partitions. Our recommendation is to visit a manufacturer website which posts documentation on the operational differences between the ‘Classic’ and ‘Zenith’ models. Response: The design should maintain 4 (four) “columns” are shown. Variances of 90” to 96” in individual column width is acceptable. Provide a minimum STC 51 rating. c. Please clarify the finishes. 102226.53-2.1-A notes vinyl, 102226.53-2.3-A and B note baked enamel and primed finishes, and AF112 and AF100 note a Carnegie Xorel Nexus. Response: Provide Carnegie Xorel , Series Nexus 6425, Color A416, Acrylic backed. This material will be designated “W1” and will replace “FWP1” on AF112 at the vertical folding partition only. “W1” stands for Fabric Wallcovering 1 and will be noted in spec section 09 72 31, and on sheet AF100. See attached revised AF100 and AF112 marked Amendment A00003 and dated July 2, 2014 (file: _VAPS-MHR-BID-A00003_AF100andAF112_20140630.pdf) and specification section 090600 Schedule for Finishes (file: 090600 Schedule for Finishes MH_20130619 Amendment A00003 7-2-2014_fromJS20140629.pdf). 17. Is the courtyard and sidewalk between buildings 18 and 22 allowed to be shut down during demolition? Response: Refer to Civil Demo plan, CD103, that requires the Contractor to maintain pedestrian access though that area. It is at the VA’s preference if there are times (of the day or week) that pedestrian access can be restricted. 18. Is the courtyard and sidewalk between buildings 18 and 22 allowed to be shut down during demolition? Response: Refer to Civil Demo plan, CD103, that requires the Contractor to maintain pedestrian access though that area. It is at the VA’s preference if there are times (of the day or week) that pedestrian access can be restricted. 19. Reference: Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, C4.C. Past Performance. Will the VA accept exceptions to the provided past performance questionnaire and allow Construction Evaluations completed in the Construction Contractor Appraisal Support System (CCASS) and previously completed past performance questionnaires that contain all the elements in this questionnaire? A sample of this questionnaire, adopted and used by the USACE/NAVFAC has been attached for the VA’s review. Response: Yes.