William (Bill) Hefner VAMC Mental Health Inpatient Facility- Phase II
Amendment #1 Responses and Revisions
VA Project Number VA246 P-0579
September 1, 2011
The following responses to Contractor questions are noted below in this Amendment #1:
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. Substitution and “Approved As Equal” Requests It is the VA’s intent that the products, materials and equipment
used on this project are as non-proprietary to the fullest extent feasible. It is the responsibility of the General
Contractor to assure that all products, materials and equipment used on this project meet the all the requirements
of the specification and the drawings as appropriate. Basis of design is listed in Section 09 06 00 Schedule for
Finishes . As this project is a vertical addition to a project currently under construction, it is essential that exterior
materials used in this Phase II fully match in color and texture, the materials used in the Phase I construction.
These products and materials are listed in Section 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes, re-issued in this Amendment #1.
2. What is the maximum time from award to the issuance of Notice To Proceed?
Response: January 1, 2013
3. Section 01000, Paragraph 1.1.D states that testing laboratory is retained by VA. Section 014529, Paragraph 1.1.A
states that testing laboratory to be retained by Contractor. Please clarify.
Response: Contractor shall retain all testing laboratory requirements as specified in Section 014529
CIVIL/LANDSCAPE
4. GS100-Please specify sub-base and base requirements for basketball court.
Response: See Detail 1 Sheet GS-400
5. GS400, Detail 2: Please provide basketball court specifications. We recommend a Sport Court Power Game court
surface, or similar, as per specification section 09624 as provided at the end of this RFI. This will not only give a
better playing surface but it can be utilized for multiple games.
Response: See Response #4
6. GS100: Phase I civil items will be complete. Drawings do not reflect any site demo items that will need to be
performed in order to accommodate the new recreational area layout, sidewalks and ramps. Please provide a site
demo plan of items to be removed and/or relocated including the 77’ retaining wall.
Response: Dotted line on Sheet GS-100 shows the site area that will need to be demolished and replaced from
the Phase I sitework in order to accommodate the Recreation yard.
7. GS100: Is new curbing required west of the new 94’ retaining wall? What type?
Response: Yes, 2’-0” standard curb and gutter
8. Sheet GS-100 notes to “see structural plans for wall/footing design” of the 94 ft. cast-in-place retaining wall.
Where is this information?
Response: See attached sketch SK-1
9. Sheet GS-100 notes “limits” of construction stopping short of the end of the parking lot. Is the entire parking lot
part of Phase 2?
Response: No only the area within the dotted line on GS-100
STRUCTURAL:
10. General. Would the roof design be capable of supporting scaffolding for exterior finish work?
Response: That is the responsibility of your field engineer to calculate.
11. S001-“Steel Stud Exterior Wall Framing”, Note #5 makes reference to designing per blast report #10-010
prepared by Protection Engineering. The Blast Report was not included in the specifications
Response: The Blast Report is included with the Amendment #1
12. S004/S105: F7/S004 detail=2” composite 18 GA metal deck and 1 ½” 20 GA roof deck. Details F5 & F8/S105 call
for a 2” 20 GA roof deck. Please clarify thickness and GA of roof deck to be used.
Response: F7/S-004 is correct. Roof deck to be 1.5 inch, 20 gage.
13. Sheet S-201: please provide a detail for the column splice above the 2 nd floor level. What is the height of the
“existing” columns?
Response: Detail F3/S-005 show how to connect Phase 1 to Phase 2. The VA may be able to supply the Phase I
shop drawings if required. The top of existing column elevations are given in Note #1 below the column
schedule.
ARCHITECTURAL:
14. The lockers in the spec call out for a Raised Panel door and it also says that it is a Plastic Laminate door. You
can’t have a Plastic Laminate Raised Panel door. Plastic Laminate doors are only in a Slab look. We can make a
Raised Panel door but it will be actual wood instead of Plastic Laminate, in which case we would need a wood
species. Can we clarify this just in case.
Response: Raised panel doors are not required for locker doors Delete reference in Specification section for
raised panel door.
15. In regards to section 083300 paragraph 1.1A asks for coiling door, grilles and dual combination doors although
the only coiling doors shown on the drawings are a total of (3) fire rated coiling doors and (2) smoke labeled coiling
counter shutters, can you verify that coiling grilles or combination doors are not required for this project?
Response: Only those coiling doors shown on the drawings are required.
16. In regards to paragraph 2.3A.1 of section 083300 the specification asks for both galvanized steel and aluminum
slats, although fire doors can not be manufactured from aluminum, can you verify that galvanized steel is
acceptable for the coiling fire doors?
Response: This has been revised in this Amendment #1, galvanized steel is acceptable for the fire rated shutters,
279-A, 279-B and 279-C. The counter shutters shall remain stainless steel as listed on sheet A601.
17. In regards to paragraph 2.3C.1 of section 083300 the specification asks for an aluminum bottom bar, although
fire doors can not be manufactured from aluminum, can you verify that galvanized steel is acceptable for the
coiling fire doors?
Response: See response #16
18. In regards to paragraph 2.3F.1 of section 083300 the specification asks for a galvanized steel or aluminum
hood, although fire doors can not be manufactured from aluminum, can you verify that galvanized steel is
acceptable for the coiling fire doors?
Response: See response #16
19. In regards to paragraph 2.5E of section 083300 the specification asks for handle for push up operation,
although the fire doors shown on the drawings have motor operators, can you verify that push up operation is not
required for the coiling fire doors?
Response: Push up operation is not required for motor controlled coiling doors or shutters.
20. In regards to paragraph 2.6A of section 083300 the specification mentions stainless steel although the coiling
fire door will be recessed into the walls and above the ceiling, can you verify that galvanized steel with a baked
enamel primed finish is acceptable?
Response: See response #16
21. In regards to paragraph 1.1B of section 083313 the specification asks for push up or crank operated coiling fire
shutter although detail A7 on A-320 clearly shows the coiling fire shutters with motor operation, can you verify
what type of operation is required for the coiling fire shutters?
Response: See response #19 HDR Project #143442 William G. “Bill” Hefner VAMC Page 3 Mental Health Phase II Inpatient Facility- CD
September 1, 2011
22. In regards to paragraph 2.1 of section 083312 the specification asks for galvanized steel, aluminum and
stainless steel, although fire shutters can not be made from aluminum, can you verify which type of material is
required for the coiling fire shutters?
Response: See Response #16
23. In regards to paragraph 2.2A of section 083313 the specification asks for a stainless steel counter top although
detail F4 on A-520 does not show a stainless steel counter top, can you verify whether the coiling door vendor will
be required to supply a stainless steel counter top (rated) for the coiling fire shutters on this project?
Response: Stainless steel counter top is not required. These shutters in this wall is smoke tight, not fire rated.
24. In regards to paragraph 2.2B of section 083313 the specification asks for Non-Rated Shutter although there are
none shown on the drawings, can you verify that a Non-rated shutter is not required for this project and if so
where they are located?
Response: See response #23
25. A101: F5/A101-“shaded area w/2” topping over recessed slab to bring deck to elevation 114’”. Is this a correct
note for the 3rd floor or does it only apply to the 2nd floor? Why would the 3rd floor need a topping and isn’t the
elevation 128’?
Response: The shading and related note should apply only to the second floor.
26. A102B: The window just off stair #1/AS201 is called out as a type “A” fixed window and directly above off
AS301 it is labeled type “F” operable window. Please confirm this is the intention.
Response: Both windows should be type A
27. AC102B/AC103B and E200B/E300B: Rooms A201, A203, A220, A221, A243 (and similar for 3 rd floor) shows a
2x2 light fixture, but the electrical drawings indicate a 2x4 light fixture. Please clarify which is correct.
Response: Architecture to govern
28. A210, Detail D1: E75 is a shower curtain per keynotes. Should it be keynote E26?
Response: yes
29. A210, Detail F7: Please provide details for millwork (cut section), not on millwork schedule.
Response: C02C0 See sheet A520
30. A311, Detail B5: Detail reflects no roof insulation or sheathing under the metal roof panels, however it shows a
self-adhered waterproof underlayment. Is the intent to apply the self-adhered WP underlayment directly to the
roof deck?
Response: Apply self adhered water-proofing underlayment to exterior sheathing attached to the metal deck per
manufacturer’s requirements. No insulation is required for the slope metal roofing.
31. A311, Detail B5: Is a vapor retarder required on the new concrete deck prior to the new roof insulation being
installed?
Response: Install per roof manufacturer’s requirements.
32. A311, Detail B5: Detail indicates a cover board required over the insulation prior to installation of the SBS
roofing membrane. What type and thickness of cover board should be used?
Response: As recommended by roofing manufacturer.
33. A402, Detail C3: Keynote #A64-Can you please provide width of mirror required? Or is it to be full width of this
wall?
Response: 18” x 60” metal framed
34. A402, Detail F3: Reference to cut section detail B1/A321 on south wall (bottom). Is this the correct reference?
Detail is for cut section of niche in dayroom.
Response: Section cut is correct
35. A601: Doors A209, A223 and A309 were changed to HM for Phase I. Should this apply to this project as well?
Response: See drawing revision section. Doors and Frames for A209, A209A, A223, A223-A, A309, A309A have
been revised to hollow metal.
36. A601: Door schedule calls for type G1 glazing in many instances where fire ratings of 20-90 minutes have also
been called for. G1 glazing is not fire rated.
HDR Project #143442 William G. “Bill” Hefner VAMC Page 4 Mental Health Phase II Inpatient Facility- CD September 1, 2011
Response: Provide G1 as noted.
37. MISSING DETAIL FOR LOCKERS IN ROOM PATIENT PROPERTY A263 SHEET A-102B Floor Plan
Response: Provide 22 double height metal lockers
38. Can’t find what type of lockers for the room that is needed on west and south wall.
Response: See Response #37.
39. Section 054000-In the event of a contradiction between design criteria listed in the specifications and criteria in
the blast report, which shall supercede?
Response: For bidding purposes, the most stringent condition shall apply.
40. Section 074000-What is the required finish and weathertightness warranty periods for the metal roofing wall
panels?
Response: Smooth finish, 20 years weathertightness warranty
41. Section 074000-Specifications appear to call for a 20 GA metal roof panel which is not typical of metal roof
applications. Please confirm this is the intent.
Response: 24 gauge is acceptable
42. Section 074000-Would snow guards be required for the standing seam roofing?
Response: Snow guards are not required.
43. Section 074000-Could you please provide the product information for the metal wall panels used on the
Mental Health Outpatient Phase I project? This will allow for the products to match between phases and we can
obtain the proper pricing.
Response: A Basis of Design for Section 07 40 00 “Roofing and Siding Panels” has been added to Specification
Section 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes and new specification section 07 40 01 Insultated Metal Panels have been
included in this Amendment #1.
44. Section 090600-Finish schedule specifies ¾” horizontal solid surface and ½” vertical solid surface. Previously
RFI’s #22 and #23 for Phase I permitted use of ½” on horizontal applications and ¼” on vertical applications based
on the manufacturer’s standard thicknesses. Please clarify if the same thicknesses are permitted for Phase 2.
Response: ½” thick solid surface on horizontal applications and ¼” thick solid surface on vertical applications is
acceptable.
MECHANICAL:
45. M201A-Keynote #17 refers to detail 20/M003 for concrete pad for pipe penetration details. Detail 20 not
provided in bid set.
Response: Pad shall be 6” high- 2 feet long and 1 foot wide.
PLUMBING:
46. P400B-Keynote #2 Gutters and Downspout system. Typically, the plumber is not responsible for gutters and
downspouts and they appear on the architectural drawings. In addition, there are no details or specifications to
the size, shape, material or attachment details. Please clarify.
Response: Delete references to gutter an downspouts and note on P-400B. Gutters and downspouts are not used
on this project.
FIRE PROTECTION:
47. Spec section 21 10 00, paragraph 1.1-A states that sprinklers are to be installed in the elevator pits. Drawing
FP-200 indicates that the area surrounding the elevators is a non-sprinklered area of construction. Are sprinklers
required in the elevator pits?
Response: The drawings do not correctly reflect the needs of the building per the specifications. Provide
sprinklers in hoist ways per NFPA 13 Section 8.14.5 Also provide sprinklers in all stairways and elevator
equipment rooms per NFPA 13.
48. Spec section 21 10 00, paragraph 1.3-B calls for a hydraulically designed sprinkler system. The water supply
information in paragraph 1.3-B-4 is blank. We need this information in order to prepare our estimate for pipe sizes.
When will the flow test information be provided? See also spec section 21 13 13, paragraph 1.3-D-4.
Response: Contractor is responsible for obtaining flow test.
49. Spec section 21 10 00, paragraph 1.3-G calls for all new and existing piping systems to be seismically braced. Is
the sprinkler piping in the phase I portion of this project seismically braced? If not, can you provide us with as-built
drawings for this installation so that we can determine how much seismic bracing we need to include?
Response: The new building is considered Mission Critical and requires seismic bracing throughout all systems in
each phase. Phase I as-built drawings cannot be provided for seismic bracing because Phase I has not been
constructed.
50. Spec 21 10 00, paragraph 1.4-A states that the sprinkler shop drawings are to be prepared by either a licensed
engineer or a NICET Level III sprinkler technician. Paragraph 1.5-E states that the drawings shall be stamped by a
fire protection professional engineer. Is it acceptable to submit drawings prepared by a NICET Level II sprinkler
technician and not have them stamped by a fire protection professional engineer?
Response: No, provide drawings with a NICET Level III signature and registration number or provide drawings
signed, sealed and dated by a Professional Engineer.
ELECTRICAL:
51. How many voice/data jacks will be going in each faceplate?
Response: Contractor shall provide two jacks per face plate.
52. Will the cable be riser or plenum rated?
Response: Refer to Division 27 specifications for cable rating requirements for the Telecommunications system.
53. Are we providing any fiber? If so, what type/strand count? In inner duct? Pulling to where (IDF/MDF)?
Response: Refer to Division 27 specifications for fiber optic cable requirements for the Telecommunications
system.
54. Is there a riser sheet?
Response: A Telecommunications riser is not part of the contract documents. The contractor shall coordinate
with the existing Telecommunication system and provide all cables, raceway, and boxes required for a complete
and operational system.
55. Can we use S2 Security for access control?
Response: We take no exceptions to the use of S2 Security for access control
56. Public address system/intercom Are we to provide a complete system or just the raceway and back boxes?
Response: Refer to specification section 27 51 16
57. TV jacks and cable complete systems or conduit and back boxes?
Response: Refer to specification section 27 41 41
58. There are no panel schedules for the 2nf floor panels in the mental health project. Can the engineer provide?
Response: Refer to sheet E-004 for the 2nd floor panel schedules
59. On sheet E-002 which of the feeders is new vs. existing? And is panel DPLS new or existing?
Response: Refer to the Power Riser legend on sheet E-002 to determine which panels are new/existing.
60. Are there any site electrical drawings for the mental health project?
Response: No site electrical work is included in this package.
61. Are the security cameras by the owner? Do we provide the complete system or the raceway only?
Response: Refer to specification section 28 23 00.
62. UC2 under counter fixtures are not indicated on the electrical drawings are there any that need to be
provided?
Response: The lighting fixture schedule is not all inclusive. Provide only the luminaires noted or shown on the
new work plan
63. E202B/E303B: (From Ronco-nurse call system). Would it be allowable to put psychiatric toilet push button
stations in the patient bathrooms in lieu of psychiatric patient stations?
Response: Coordinate with Owner
64. General: Will the existing lightning protection system need to be removed from Phase I?
Response: Roofing and all related roof top accessories, flashings and copings will need to be removed for the
vertical expansion in this Phase II project.
The following specifications have been added as a part of this Amendment #3:
SECTION 00 31 27-1 BLAST DESIGN INFORMATION DATED JUNE 9, 2010
SECTION 00 31 27 -2 BLAST DESIGN APPENDIX B DATED JUNE 9, 2010
SECTION 074001 INSULATED METAL WALL PANELS
The following specifications have been revised as a part of this Amendment #3:
SECTION 09 06 00 SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES07 40 00 ROOFING AND SIDING PANELS:
Un-insulated metal roofing color: Basis of Design- Dimensional Metals, Inc. Span-Lock SL25 Color: Kynar 500
“Seaport”, Texture: smooth texture, standing seam
07 40 01 INSULATED METAL WALL PANELS Basis of Design: Centria Formawall Dimension Series Color- To match
Outpatient Welcome Center (off white) Texture: smooth.
The following drawings have been revised as a part of this Amendment #3:
A-102A FLOOR PLAN- SECOND FLOOR PLAN- AREA A Detail D1 Air Handler Room A372: Provide Type F2 Shaftwall
in lieu of Type E2 Provide 2 hour fire dampers in lieu of 1 hour dampers shown at duct penetrations.
A-103A FLOOR PLAN THIRD FLOOR- AREA A- Detail D1 Air Handler Room A372: Provide Type F2 Shaftwall in lieu of
Type E2 Provide 2 hour fire dampers in lieu of 1 hour dampers shown at duct penetrations.
A-201 ELEVATIONS- EXTERIOR E1 East Elevation- Replace Key Note F14 (Metal Panel) with Key Note F1 (Cast Stone)
Note: Large area on elevation E2 to remain F14 Metal Panel
A-202 ELEVATIONS-EXTERIOR B1 South Elevation Replace Key Note F14 (Metal Panel) with Key Note F1 (Cast
Stone)
A-203 ELEVATIONS-EXTERIOR Replace Key Note F14 (Metal Panel) with Key Note F1 (Cast Stone)
A501 PARTTTION TYPES- 2 hour partition Type F Provide F@- 6” c-H structural stud frame.
A601 DOOR SCHEDULE AND DOOR TYPES:
Door Schedule:
Reference A279-A, A279-B, A279-C The material for these fire shutters shall be “Galvanized Steel” in lieu of
“Stainless Steet (ST STL).
Reference A209A, A223, A-223-A, A309, A309A Doors and Frames shall be “HM” (Hollow Metal) in lieu of ALUM
“Aluminum”. Hardware Sets to remain Set #09.
The following sketches are issued as a part of this Amendment #3
SK-1 RETAINING WALL SECTION
MBD-1 MECHANICAL ROOF PLAN- NEW WORK Reference Sheet M 400A Additional roof top mechanical unit
added.
MBD-2 MECHANICAL SCHEDULES; Reference Sheet M-002. Additional roof top mechanical unit added.